The Scar: An African Marvel Legend of a Waterfall by Eva Fogel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A little folktale about the origin of waterfalls in the land of Africa

Children often ask endless questions, many of which might not likely have a simple explanation and it is during those incidences that a myth or folktale comes to use. As humans we are always curious to know about the things surrounding us, children even more so because everything around them are unfamiliar, new and intriguing. While most storybooks for children dwell on keeping the language easy to grasp or the pictures enticing enough to hold the attention of a child, this book in addition to those points, also attempts to cover significant topics like parental abuse, the sense of a community, the importance of nature and of course, the origin story of waterfalls themselves.

Although the language seems to need a little editing as it lacks the kind of smooth flow one would expect in a children's book, the manner in which the author deals with the heavy themes is admirable. Instead of pointing out bluntly what is right or wrong, the narration lets the reader experience the pain of the little child who undergoes emotional stress due to the treatment he receives from his own family. The boy feels isolated and heartbroken. Through the character of the speaking tree, we are invited to sympathise with the boy's predicament and towards the end, despite the fantastic nature of the story, we find ourselves relating to it.

What is special about this book is how it manages to retain its traditional form of an enigmatic folktale and simultaneously doesn't overwhelm the reader. In the span of such a short tale, it inspires children to be kind to others, to preserve our environment, to respect nature and appreciate its gifts and finally, it also teaches parents to be more understanding and patient. Children deserve all the love and care they can get and this sensitive African folktale upholds the same universal belief. Recommended for kids and for parents to read it out loud to their children.

(Note: ARC obtained on Reedsy Discovery)



View all my reviews