Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)

Love having this book as a reference and resource when learning about the African continent with my 10 yr old. While learning along with him it was an easy read making it a constant go to when discussing our heritage.

Ashanti to Zulu was a childhood favorite for both of our now adult daughters. It was shared at school a number of times by both girls who were very early readers.Africa is an enormous and varied continent inhabited by hundreds of different peoples with customs and traditions as diverse as the land itself. The author does a great job of introducing the reader to twenty-six peoples depicting a custom that's important to each; some of the customs are unique and relate to only to a particular people, others are shared by many. All reflect traditional values or philosophies.The detailed illustrations are magnificent!Technology was already bringing new ways of life to the continent back when our girls first enjoyed this book, and of course technology continues to change the people. However, traditions that have been passed from generation to generation continue to have value and are still respected and practiced.There are a couple of traditions that may frighten some western children hearing/reading the stories for the first time. My advice to parents is to be sure to read through the book in it's entirety. You know your child best - you may have to "edit" one are two stories until they grow to understand the value of the customs you're sharing with them.I believe both adults and children will treasure what they learn from Ashanti to Zulu. I passed on the many wonderful children's books our family collected for our girls to a young family of early readers. Now I've started a new collection - this book was one of the first dozen or so I've purchased.

It was unfortunate that they chose to place the library stickers over the lovely art because that’s why I bought the book in the first place. The front my and back soft cover had some wear but the inside was undamaged.

Excellent work. Well written with beautiful illustrations! It uses the alphabet to work the story through a series of African tribes. It starts with "A" for Ashanti civilization and works its way through multiple groups of African people until it reaches "Z" for Zulu.The pictures are thought-provoking and have led to many discussions regarding different types of dress and why people dress differently for weddings and everyday clothing.I wish someone would produce a film to accompany the book so we could see the people in action. It would also be wonderful if the author would remake the book for an older crowd. Same concept but with more information or at least links to more information about each group. Because, this book is really appropriate for the 5-8 aged group of children. Each page contains only about a paragraph of information.

Educationally this is a well written book with beautiful colors and illustrations. As a mother, I am learning about tribes of people in our mother land with this great book! I appreciate the pronunciation help given for each African word introduced.I think every family- regardless of color should own this book and have a great understanding of the vastness of the countries and tribes of Africa.My only recommendation is to get the hard cover copy of the book. I ordered paperback, but I first discovered it at the library in hard copy and I wish I ordered it in the hard cover option.Enjoy!

I bought this gorgeous book simply for the unbearably beautiful illustrations compliments of the artwork of Leo and Diane Dillon. I have some other of their illustrated children's books in my art books collection and consider it fine art and a pure joy to look at time and time again.

I love this book. I buy one every time there is a new baby in our family. It’s a wonderful introduction to our culture and history.

Each African tribe featured in this classic picture book is shown with a native creature, local handicraft, man woman and child, dwelling, and textile. So much to see and love on every page.

Beautiful Illustrations - a little dated now but I bought it for research purposes and for the analysis of the illustrations - beautiful!

Not best quality printing is rather dark

Great read

Looks likes it was stole from a library, the prices was too expensive for that. But the inside is Interesting.I should have open the package the day that i received it.