It's 1725 in West Africa, a time when drums sound out a warning to beware, and this is the story of Dinga, the Blacksmith, and his son, Mufasa. Dinga was a man of great connection to the elements of the Earth. He could call on fire, water, wind and Earth. His beloved wife is to die in childbirth leaving him with a son. Despite the advice from the elder village women, Dinga chooses to raise his own son.
This story is told by a griot, written in free verse and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon as always with dignity, with patterns that evoke the spirit of Africa and with deep soul. It starts as Dinga's journey and ends as Mufasa's journey. All of the elements of the world bring their unique powers to the task of finding and saving this wonderful boy who is captured and bound and taken to a land he does not know.
Written to immortalize all who were taken, the story has a spiritual ring and offers all an opportunity to honor the courage and regret the injustice.
48 pages Ages 7-10