One Night: a story from the desert

by Cristina Kessler, Ian Schoenherr (Illustrator), Frank Welffens (Editor)

In this picture book for older children, Muhamadspends his first night alone in the desert tending to a new mother goat and her kid. Told in Muhamad's voice, the story reflects the culture of the Tuareg, a nomadic people with strong ties to family and the desert way of life. Kessler's poetic text has rhythm and repetitionand Schoenherr's artwork is striking. --Booklist, boxed review This lovely book, with its descriptions of the desert terrain and bits of tribal wisdom, provides an informative glimpse at a distant lifestyle that will be useful in the classroom and as a read-aloud. -- School Library Journal Resonant and stirring. --Publishers Weekly, starred review A spellbinding tale. --Book Links

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[ConnieLettow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of how Muhamad, son of Arahid, Son of Zeinebu, brother of two sisters and three brothers and how he goes through the process of becoming a man as the wealthiest of Tuareg boys. They are called the "Blue People" . The story explains the traditions of storytelling, Tam Tam drumming, grandmothers who are a child's first teachers and men who drink tea together. Muhamad has a special task as a sheep herder in the desert that he accomplishes. When he comes home, he is praised and welcomed as a man with a cup of tea.