Emeka's Gift: An African Counting Story

by Ifeoma Onyefulu

This is a concept book to teach and delight. As a young African boy travels to visit his grandmother, he passes through the village market, where he sees lots of things Granny would like? four brooms, five hats, six necklaces, seven musical instruments, and so on. Stunning photographs taken in Emeka's southern Nigerian village illustrate this heartwarming story. "A wonderful multidimensional story with universal appeal." ? School Library Journal

Genres: Africa, Picture Books, Counting, Mathematics, Childrens, Cultural, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

It's sweet that Emeka really wants to bring his grandmother a gift when he goes to visit, and I appreciated that the items that got counted as we moved through the story weren't just potential gift objects but also people he encountered -- and how the objects he does consider as possible gifts relate to varying aspects of his grandmother (a broom that would be helpful as she does her chores, a necklace he thinks she would look lovely in, a musical instrument for her dance group, etc.).

The narrative educates about various elements of Nigerian culture and also subtly encourages the child-reader to be thoughtful and gift-giving toward others while still affirming that the child is themselves the greatest gift.

[Corey Lynch]

The story of a boy named Emeka who makes a journey to his grandmothers house. Along the way he encounters many people and objects that he counts and finds useful. This book contains lots of good information about the culture that Emeka comes from as well as counting. In the classroom this story could be used to bring up the topic of diversity as well as to help students learn to count up to 10. This book also provides good information on African culture that could be used to expose students to a different culture than their own.

[Abigail Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emeka is walking to see his grandmother over in the next village. Along the way he sees his friends, people going to the market, and even some water pots! Throughout the story the author uses the text to count from one to 10. Along the way you learn different things about the African culture. Also, you see real life pictures of people in Africa!

Emeka's Gift can be used to expose students to a different culture that they may not be so familiar with. Also, it can be used to help them learn to count. My students could create their own counting book.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book works on a variety of levels: a simple counting book, a pleasant story about a boy searching for a gift for his grandmother, and an introduction to West African culture. The colorful photographs will appeal to both African and non-African readers. Sidebars contain additional cultural information.

[Carlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book works on a variety of levels: a simple counting book, a pleasant story about a boy searching for a gift for his grandmother, and an introduction to West African culture. The colorful photographs will appeal to both African and non-African readers. Sidebars contain additional cultural information.

[mz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. Can't get over Onyefulu's exquisite photos.

[Ashley Greenfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book introduces the African culture and relates math concepts.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

An African counting story that gives insight on African culture but gives students information with mathematical, counting concepts.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storyline along with good extra information.