Two Ways to Count to Ten: A Liberian Folktale

by Ruby Dee, Susan Meddaugh (Illustrations)

Award-winning actress and civil rights activist Ruby Dee retells a timeless tale of strength and leadership in Two Ways to Count to A Liberian Folktale , illustrated by Susan Meddaugh. When the Leopard, king of all the jungle animals, declares the time has come for a successor to marry his daughter and wear the crown, the bravest beasts gather for a competition. The creature capable of throwing a spear high enough in the air for him to count to ten before it reaches the ground will be declared the jungle’s prince. After many of the strongest animals fail, an antelope steps forth to take the king’s challenge, only to be ridiculed for his physical weakness. But the antelope possesses a different kind of strength―one that’s a perfect quality for leadership.

Genres: Picture Books, Mathematics, Africa, Childrens, Geography, Fiction, 1st Grade

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1988

About the author

Ruby Dee (born Ruby Ann Wallace) was an American actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and activist.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

King Leopard searches for a worthy successor in this picture book retelling of a traditional Liberian tale. Deciding that he will give his kingdom and the hand of his beautiful daughter in marriage to the one who can pass his test, he invites all of the animals to a jungle tournament of sorts. Here he declares that the one who can throw his spear so high into the air that he has time to count to ten before it lands, will be the winner. But although many mighty animals, from the elephant to lion, make an attempt, no one is successful. Then slender antelope steps forward, and demonstrates that wisdom can be as important as strength, when it comes to getting the job done...

Actress and activist Ruby Dee made her children's book debut with Two Ways to Count to Ten: A Liberian Folktale, which was published in 1988, and which was illustrated by Susan Meddaugh, who three years before did the artwork for Verna Aardema's wonderful Bimwili and the Zimwi: A Tale from Zanzibar . I enjoyed this tale, even though I could see where it was headed—counting by twos instead of ones—from the beginning. After all, folklore often relies on tried and true themes and story lines, and while a surprise ending can be fun, a predictable one is no detriment. The lesson to be learned—that thinking outside of the box and approaching problems from a different perspective is an important skill—is well worth considering. The accompanying artwork was colorful and engaging. I do wish some source has been given for the tale, so I could track down the original, or possibly other tellings, but leaving that aside I would recommend this to young folklore enthusiasts.

[Mallory Barnett]

Summary:
This folktale is a comical story about animals trying to count to ten. The king organizes a contest to see who can count to ten before the spear hits the ground. Many animals try but only one succeeds in the end.
Evaluation:
I thought this was a very funny book to read. This book is great for showing how to count to ten and can make it fun. I recommend this book to any level reader.
Teaching Ideas:
This book can be used when teaching students to count to ten. It does formally describe how to count to ten but it can make the learning process fun for them. Also, this book could be used to teach students about Liberian Folktales or just folktale sin general.

[Kayla Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautifully illustrated Liberian folktale, King Leopard and his beautiful daughter are in search of a new and clever prince to rule over their jungle kingdom. The King decides to hold a contest to see which animal can throw his mighty spear high in the sky and catch it within ten seconds. By way of skip counting, this lovable mathematical tale serves a great lesson that you do not always have to be the strongest to be the smartest.

[Chessie Folan]

This Liberian Folktale that is retold by Ruby Dee is an entertaining story as well as a math lesson. King leopard is looking for the next king amongst the animals of the jungle and only the cleverest will win. The illustrations of this picture book by Susan Meddaugh are detailed drawings of the many animals that live in the jungle.

[Celinda Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to see how different cultures have different standards for who get to be the king of jungle.. Is this case, Liberia has the leopard for king! But he doesn't take it for granted as a hereditary office, but honestly searches for a wise one to succeed him.. Love it.
Going to be included in my "reading around the world" list of picture books to read for my students 🥰

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is appropriate for first to third grade. The wise and powerful King Leopard was trying to figure out who was the cleverest beast to rule after he dies. All types of beasts sang and danced in front of the king and his daughter, as well as throwing spears up in the air (and not coming down before they finish counting to ten) to compete for show of strength. Finally, an antelope attempts at throwing the spear, counting 2-4-6-8-10, and the King declared that he won as he demonstrated that you did not always need to be the strongest, but sometimes the most clever! I liked how the antelope was viewed as weak, and how those stereotypes of strength were broken. Another stereotype that was actually built on instead of being broken down were gender roles (how the females were treated and viewed - not part of the competition, father chooses husband for daughter) and that upset me. Some of the illustrations almost seem as though they were colored in with marker and other drawing materials, which makes it relatable for children viewing it, while also adding textural components. Many math lessons could definitely be created out of this as the creative antelope skip counted to get to the desired number quicker! One skip counting activity could use manipulatives, such as small cube blocks with number symbols that attach to one another. Another could be a class book, where each child writes on a page how they count to ten - this includes drawings, of perhaps five pairs of something (2x5=10), etc.

[Tiffany Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great to use in the classroom to show that you don’t have to fit the physical picture that is always displayed. It shows female empowerment that women(females) can rule nations and outsmart the man. This also is a great book to use as an introduction to different styles of counting.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this for 2nd Grade Reading Groups. Standard: Retell Fables and Folktales from diverse cultures and determine central message, lesson or moral. Liberian Folktale. (being strong is not the same as being smart)

[Samantha DeVoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book that encourages thinking outside the box. Full of colorful, eye-catching illustrations.

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story. I've heard it with Anase as the successful counter, and as turtle, but never as gazelle. Honestly, this retelling/these illustrations are not the best, but it's fine.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read aloud for my second graders

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

Great illustrations and a wonderful message. Plus I loved all the different animals that were included!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read-aloud kindergarten or 1st grade book. Too difficult for young readers of content.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liberian folk tale about a dying king who needs to find a worthy successor. The next in line to become king must count to ten before the spear hits the ground. Great for use in math lessons when concentration on counting to ten different ways. Hint: there are more than two ways to count to ten.

Ages 4-8.




Lesson Plan for Two Ways to Count to Ten


Name:____Ashley Ashley____ Date:__April 30, 2006__ Age/Grade Level:___5th Grade__

# of Students:_20_ # of IEP Students:_0_ # of GSSP Students:_0_ # of LEP Students:_0_

Subject:_Arts and Humanities Major Content:_Visual Art Lesson Length:3 45-min sessions

Unit Title:__ West African Culture __ Lesson Title:__ Two Ways to Count to Ten _


CONTEXT:

This is the first lesson in a unit on West African art. This lesson uses the African story Two Ways to Count to Ten to explore the African art of Adrinka. To incorporate language arts and math, students will read the story and then come up with their own symbols to represent the story, using a specific number (ten) of their symbols to design a quilt square.


OBJECTIVE:

After discussing the dramatic elements of a story, the student will identify the plot and the beginning, middle, and end of a story.


CONNECTIONS:

Core Content:

Visual Arts:

AH-E-4.1.35 Media: fabric, paint (used to produce artwork)

AH-E-4.2.32 Purposes of Art: narrative (describe and illustrate)

AH-E-4.2.34 Cultures: West African




RESOURCES, MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY:

RESOURCES:

Dee, R. (1988.) Two ways to count to ten. New York: Henry Holt & Co.


MATERIALS:

Samples of Adrinka symbols
Teacher sample of quilt square
2 ½” and 3” squares of Styrofoam trays
13” squares of light colored fabrics
Fabric paint
Fabric markers
Scissors
Pen or pencil


PROCEDURES:

• Session One: Story

Ask the students, “What makes someone a good leader?” Tell the students you will be reading an African story from Liberia about a king and tell them to look for what makes a good leader.

Read Two Ways to Count to Ten aloud and have students follow along. After the story, ask students what they thought of the contest. Was it fair? Do they think Leopard made a good king? Do they think antelope will make a good king? Why? What other ways can you count to ten?

Have the students complete the worksheet.


• Session Two: Studio Work

Review Two Ways to Count to Ten with the class. What do they remember most about the story? Tell the students that they will each need to come up with two symbols that represent something in the story. They will use these two symbols to create stamps to make a quilt square. Show class teacher sample.

Tell students that they will be using their stamps to count to ten. This may be done in any way (5+5, 4+6, etc.), but there must be a total of ten and the stamps must be in two separate groups divided by a border. There must also be a border (approx. 1”) that goes around the quilt square ½” from the outside edge.

To make stamps:
Draw design on Styrofoam and carve out design using ink pen
or
Draw design of Styrofoam, cut out design and glue on another piece of Styrofoam

Using different colors of paint, students will cover stamps and transfer to the fabric. Lay out quilt squares to dry.


• Session Three: Finish Studio Work

Tell students that they will be filling in the borders on the squares using actual Adrinka symbols from the handout. Use fabric markers to color in borders. Encourage students to get creative!

Collect squares to be put together to make a class quilt.

Student Assessment

Lesson is worth 25 points total:
Have the students complete the worksheet over the story (9 pts.)
Use the rubric to grade quilt square (16 pts.)

Name:____________________
***Two Ways to Count to Ten***

Where does this story take place?
What animal is king at the beginning of the story?
Why did the king want to pick a successor?
What kind of contest did the king have to decide who would replace him?
What did the animals have to do before they could try in the contest?
Name at least one animal other than the winner that tried to win the contest?
Which animal won the contest?
How did this animal win?
What do you think the moral of the story is?

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal reaction: I didn't like this book very much until the end, but once we got to the end and there was a twist, I thought it was great! I originally picked this book because it is a Liberian folktale and I know two little boys who were adopted from Liberia. I also picked it because I assumed from the title that it would be about counting to ten in two different languages. I thought this would be a good book to show that there isn't a wrong way to do it, just different ways. I was actually wrong about my assumption, but it did show different ways to count to ten, just in a way I didn't expect! I also liked the message of it not being the biggest person or the strongest person that always wins, but cleverness wins too.

Use in the classroom:

1. Read aloud for curriculum: This book would be great to connect to math. I like that it isn't a book that is so obviously "math." I think the humor towards the end of the story would really engage students in kindergarten or 1st grade and get them excited about counting by 2s.

2. Independent reading: This book is better suited for a read aloud. An advanced reader could read it independently, but the plot would most likely be too easy for them developmentally.

3. Literary elements: This book would be good to use to talk about repetition because each animal tries to count to ten before the spear hits the ground and all but one fail. It would also be good to talk about twists in plots because the Antelope reveals a different way of thinking towards the end of the story.

[Chanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an awesome book for students to think about different ways to a number. In this particular book, the leopard wanted to make sure that his daughter had someone to rule with her by her side when he was no longer around. He decided to hold a contest to see which animal of the wild could hold up to his expectations. Their task was to be able to throw a spear in the air and count to ten. If the spear lasted in the air for ten seconds then that animal would be king. None of the animals could do except the antelope and he count to ten by twos! The leopard never said how they could count. A fun activity would be for students to bring in objects from home and experiment how long that object can stay in the air by counting in 2s, 5s, 10s, 100s, etc. This could also relate to science (introduction to gravity).

[Bailey Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Ways to Count to Ten is a Liberian Folktale. This folk tale would be a great a read aloud for a classroom of first graders or second graders. I would ask for a handful of volunteers to act out the story and do a readers theater. Students would be able to get into character and have fun learning the moral of the story. I enjoyed this folk tale because it displayed the importance of cleverness and how to think outside the box. I also was able to connect the animals to Liberian culture and their values like having a story with talking animals and different character traits.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another story I found to use in the Umigo program, but probably for an older group of kids than I'm getting. In order to find a husband for his daughter, the king leopard challenges suitors to count to 10 before the leopard's spear falls back to ground after being thrown. Who will win? Will it be by strength or mathematical wits?
I also think this is great for adapting for reader's theatre or storytelling.

[Amanda Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an African Fairytale that I hadn't previously read in a different version. The story is about a king who is looking for an animal to be prince and then king of the jungle. The animals must vie with each other in order to see who will be king. The final winner is an animal that is not strong, but who is clever, and who can count by 2's.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a leopard who is king of the jungle. As he gets older he tries to figure out who will be his successor. He has a contest, and the winner will be able to marry his daughter and become prince. The winner has to be able to throw a spear up in the air and count to ten before it falls back to the ground.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. It teachss students how to use their how to think trhrough riddles. It's a cute story about who can through a spear in the air and count to ten before the spear comes back down. Only one animal is clever enough to get to ten before the spear comes back down.

[Joe Ahern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a cleaver way for the author to incoperate animals, which most children like, with learning how to count. A good way to start children on learning to count. nicley illustrated as well.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice folktale story about animals competing to be king by having to count to ten before the spear they've thrown lands. While they all believe they have to be the strongest, the winner is the cleverest (who counts by twos). Fun to share with my math-loving son.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about animals who are having a contest on who can count to ten the fastest. One of them is clever and counts to ten by twos. This book is great when introducing the concept of counting by twos.

[Roshunda Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Liberian folktale about a King who is dying. In order to appoint a successor they must count to ten before the spear hits the ground. This is a great book to introduce skip counting in math.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to use for storytelling. A clever story on how to test for the next king of the jungle.

[Jaden · Rating 2 out of 5]

i dont have a review

[Ebono1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book to help children with their counting. Also uses animals as reference and children are able to use them in relating their counting.

[Shelly Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helps students learn how to count while incoperating animals.

[Nicole Sandford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very clever counting to ten by two's. Grade 2.