Three Friends and a Taxi (1)

by Maryanne Bester, Shayle Bester (Illustrator)

Based on a classic tale told all across Africa that teaches children to think about the consequences of their actions, this charmingly illustrated book follows Sheep, Goat, and Dog as they impulsively decide to take a taxi ride to the sea, only to discover they can't pay the fare. Loved because it belongs to all of Africa and its people, this version of the story was inspired by the author's trip to the Comores Islands, during which she heard the tale for the first time—from a local taxi driver.

24 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2006

About the author

Sisters Maryanne and Shayle Bester have cooked up nine picture books together, all published by Jacana. Some of these feature Gaps, the Nguni calf, and his extended family. Others, like Three Friends and a Taxi, are light-hearted contemporary tales. Three Friends and a Taxi was a winner of the 2004 Sappi Isiqalo Book Competition and The Cool Nguni was one of the winners of the Exclusive Books IBBY SA Awards. The sisters grew up on a Free State farm but now live in Gauteng with an assortment of family and animals. All their stories draw on their deep affection for the people, places and eccentricities of Africa. (source: Jacana Media)