From Afar to Zulu: A Dictionary of African Cultures

The idea of a Handbook Encyclopedia for children is always appealing, but also it is a difficult task to acomplish. Imagine if the topic is the still mysterious African continent, its cultural treasures and different nations... nevertheless, the two Haskins and Joann Biondi do it. The alphabetical order makes the topics easy to locate, the language is clear without being condescending and the authors treat some difficult topics like the unfairness towards female children with ecuanimity, and trying to make the young reader understand- not approve- some practices. The incredible variety of African landscape and cultural diversity unfolds in this little Encyclopedia, but as the entries are short (sometimes even laconic) the child never feels overwhelmed by the data. Indispensable for begginers, children who loved The Lion King, or Tarzan and want to know more, or those who want an ample vision of the cultural and geographical riches of Africa.