Night: A Children’s Fable

In Jumbe’s thought-provoking debut, animals enjoy a gorgeous savanna day while young Alekachawo sets her baby sister, Mwana Wamkazi, in the sun to play. But when day ends, the animals bemoan the night, and the sisters huddle in front of a fire indoors. Following weeks of complaints, the Dark takes away the darkness, ensuring daylight henceforth. For a time, everyone rejoices. But as the new normal takes its toll (Turtle’s shell begins glowing “like a burning coal”), the complaints begin anew, and without apologizing, the characters beg the Dark to reinstate night. When the Dark shuns their pleas, Alekachawo, fearing for her sister’s survival, straps Mwana Wamkazi to her back and takes a humble offering up the sky road to plead for relief. Mollified, the Dark agrees to bring back the night, and rain soon follows. Dixon (Gracie’s New Class) divides animation-style cartooning between lively terrestrial and ethereal sky scenes, while the sisters—the fable’s emotional center—offer a smart counterweight to the animals’ antics. Human characters are portrayed with dark brown skin. A glossary of Chichewa words concludes. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)