Man Who Knew Too Much

by Julius Lester, Leonard Jenkins (Illustrator)

A husband does not believe it when his wife tells him that their crying baby is comforted by a huge eagle who flies down with its sharp talons and alights on the baby.

Genres: Picture Books, Africa

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 1994

About the author

Julius Lester was an American writer of books for children and adults. He was an academic who taught for 32 years (1971–2003) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was also a photographer, as well as a musician who recorded two albums of folk music and original songs.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Julius Lester would dare to write a children's book about how murder came into the world. You won't always like them, and frequently you will be made uncomfortable by them, but his books for both children and adults will transform the way you look at the world.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is an interesting explanation for how murder came into the world. In order to be able to understand and appreciate this book I would think it would be suitable for older children.

[Dalton Prather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Harsh and sad. The eagle was not a nice eagle at all.

[Ronnie Hobbs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sad story about how murder came about. This would need to be read for older children.

[Karen Hixson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the first time I had read "The Man Who Knew Too Much", I am still not sure what to think. Julius Lester started the first couple of pages about how a "woman carried a life within" and "Creation was renewed". The way he described the eagle would be a great learning tool for children but at the same time the way he described the eagle as being big and strong and killing monkey's, jackals, and small antelope, I am thinking that would frighten children. I can't say I liked this book. It was a sad ending and a bit twisted. I don't believe this is a good book for children.