Mbobo Tree

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Author: Glenda Millard
Illustrator: Annie White
Publisher: Lindfield, N.S.W.: Scholastic 2009
Awards: CBCA Notable Books - Picture
CBCA Notable Books - Younger









A quite yet detailed story with lots of text, Mbobo Tree tackles the core themes of acceptance, belonging, caring, and integration. Set in an African village, this Fable-like narration represents an all-inclusive harmonious world in which villagers, wild and domestic creature live in harmony with the only outstanding mbobo tree, that belongs to no-one and to everyone’.Oil painted illustrations are a colourful delight that illustrate this sunny setting in its prime. 

Central to the story is Tiranambo Adesimbo Mbobo, an ability-divers mute girl, who has been found as a baby, swinging in the branches of the tree. Just like the tree, she also belongs to no-one and everyone. The villagers find her, name her, and love her as if she were their own daughter. Belonging to all the village, this magical and mysterious character grows up, shares in all the villagers’ joyful dancing and sad moments but she never speaks till the tree is being threatened by an outsider when Tiranamba finds her voice, and her bravery saves the village.


For more information:
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