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Reviewed: May 27, 2009
Have you ever seen someone wear porcelain-like seashells at the end of their locs? Did you wonder why wear seashells? In ASSATA AND THE SECRET OF THE COWRIE, Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson tells a story about cowrie shells that explains what they are, where they come from and why they are used to adorn the hair. The story begins in a small African country, near a river, where a little girl named Assata spends her days looking for these beautiful shells.
Although infatuated with the shells, she doesn’t understand where they come from. Her grandfather provides the rather colorful background of the cowrie through stories from the old Griots of their village. Knowing that there is a celebration approaching soon for the young women in the village, Assata looks for a way to bring attention to herself; she uses the beautiful shells. The idea she comes up with is a big hit in more ways than one.
Ms. Oliver-Lawson attacks the natural curiosity of children with a vibrant, wonderful story that educates at the same time as she introduces the young ones to a new culture. New words are established in an entertaining, non-threatening way and with the aid of a vocabulary list. The crayon-like illustrations by Karen Summerville worked to add lots of life and zest to the book as well. This is a great story for sharing with all children at any time, but it is especially good for those who have that inquisitive nature about them.
Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
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Brenda M. Lisbon is an avid reader and a big supporter of school-sponsored reading activities for children in her community. She and her son reside in Bishopville, SC.
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