Reviewed by Azeb Tadesse
Review Source: Africa Access
Book Author: Cristina Kessler
OUT OF PRINT
The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela, recommended for grades 1-3, is a timeless tale of a young girl’s determination to follow her dream. The heroine, Almaz, is determined to be the best beekeeper in her village, even though she is told it’s “men’s work” and she should learn to do women’s work. Almaz is drawn to make honey after a trip to the market where she gets a taste from a honey seller and tells herself that “one day mine will be the best.”
Inspired, she pays a visit to the honey makers who practice their trade at the edge of the forest and tells them, “I want to make the best honey in all of Lalibela.” The men find her declaration laughable and are quick to be dismissive of her determined announcement. The eldest of the group condescendingly tells her that beekeeping is “men’s work” and to “go find your mother and learn to cook, clean, and gather firewood.” This crushes the little girl’s spirit but she finds friendship and encouragement in the form of a gentle priest called Father Haile Kirros. With his encouragement, she learns the art of beekeeping and in time she’s at the market outselling her male competitors.
But Almaz isn’t in the clear yet as she comes across difficulties with her technique. Once again, she turns to Father Haile Kirros and with his guidance she overcomes her difficulties and is once again back at the market and the men who at first tried to discourage her welcome her back as “the best beekeeper in Lalibela.” The simplicity and universality of the tale makes the book appealing to young children of all backgrounds. Although the characters are portrayed within a rich cultural milieu, they are not overly exotic or foreign. Almaz, has universal traits and qualities allowing young readers to connect to her and relate to her aspirations. And even though the story deals with the sensitive issue of cultural gender roles — “men’s work vs. women’s work” — Kessler’s sensitive handling of the topic rescues it from seeming preachy and excessively critical. She steers clear of delivering judgment on the situation. Instead, Almaz is provided encouraging support from key figures such as the priest and her family.
This is a more accurate depiction of how such issues work themselves out locally. The author has skillfully infused Ethiopian culture, tradition, and vernacular to make it “[a] tale from Africa.” Commonly used and easy to pronounce terms are peppered through the book allowing readers a flavor of the local language. Kessler has included a glossary to aid readers, as well as a note on the Legend of Lalibela. She recounts the story of King Lalibela for whom the modern day city is named. This addition helps to contextualize the story and ground the reader in Lalibela. The illustrations are a strong feature. Rich, fitting, and intensely colorful, they provide an eye-catching and true rendering of Almaz and the inhabitants of Lalibela. Overall, The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela is attractive and charming tale that can be employed either as a learning tool in a classroom setting or as leisure reading.
The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela by Cristina Kessler
Illustrator: Leonard Jenkins
Published by Holiday House on 2006
Genres: Africa, Girls and Women
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9780823418589
Review Source: Africa Access
Publisher's Synopsis: Long ago in the mountains of Ethiopia, the bees arrived in Lalibela, and people poured in from all around to procure their sweet honey. A young girl named Almaz vows one day her honey will be the best of all. When she shares her dream with the current beekeepers, they laugh her away and tell her it's men's work. Almaz is determined to prove them all wrong, but she can barely climb the trees to reach the hives. The men think she's learned her lesson, but they don't know Almaz. She's steadfast in her pursuit of the honey. In this spirited text by Cristina Kessler, with stunning illustrations from Leonard Jenkisn, perseverance is the key to achieving one's dreams.
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