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The Cow of No Color: Riddle Stories and Justice Tales from Around the World
In this outstanding multicultural collection from the authors of the prizewinning While Standing on One Foot , readers must try to outsmart evil kings, answer questions from Death, even puzzle with angels over the justice of God. Every tale returns to the most basic question: What is fair?
With tales from Africa, Asia, and Europe, from Irish, Jews, and Muslims, from American schools and courtrooms, The Cow of No Color is truly an international gathering. Ranging from tricks to watch for in playground games to big issues to ponder for a lifetime, here is a book with insights and challenges for every member of every family.
With tales from Africa, Asia, and Europe, from Irish, Jews, and Muslims, from American schools and courtrooms, The Cow of No Color is truly an international gathering. Ranging from tricks to watch for in playground games to big issues to ponder for a lifetime, here is a book with insights and challenges for every member of every family.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 17, 2017
In this book there are many stories from all over the world for example, Asia, Africa,Europe, and America. I like this book because it helps the reader understand some cultures. My favorite tale was from Africa, called "The Cow of No Color". There is a ruler who is jealous of a wise woman because everyone is saying that she is the smartest in the land. He tests her by asking her to bring him a cow of no color. She answers his request by bringing him a cow at night, making it invisible in the darkness. This fulfills his trick question and proves that she is the wisest in the land.
October 16, 2021
Fabulous for all ages. I read it to myself, then shared a story or two at a time with my husband & my son (who is currently student teaching for his bachelor's degree) at our family meals. We all enjoyed trying to figure out what the judge or rabbi would decide, or what the cheated victim would do to get justice (not revenge). And though we didn't always agree with the 'solutions' we enjoyed being provoked to look deeply at old questions.
Most stories are from northern Africa, Hebrew tradition, sub-Saharan Africa, and other 'around the world' sources. A few are from the US. Most were discovered through 'OwnVoices' sources. There is a Bibliography and a Resource List.
Illustrations are artistic. Sometimes, in my own opinion, effective, but sometimes not.
Highly recommended to families and to classrooms. If you can, buy a copy, so you don't cram too many stories into one checkout loan period.
Most stories are from northern Africa, Hebrew tradition, sub-Saharan Africa, and other 'around the world' sources. A few are from the US. Most were discovered through 'OwnVoices' sources. There is a Bibliography and a Resource List.
Illustrations are artistic. Sometimes, in my own opinion, effective, but sometimes not.
Highly recommended to families and to classrooms. If you can, buy a copy, so you don't cram too many stories into one checkout loan period.
May 3, 2018
An interesting collection of justice themed tales from around the world.
December 23, 2013
A thought-provoking (and often humorous) collection of tales about justice, fairness, and the nature of people. Absolutely love this. Need to pick up a copy for when my kids get older, just in case I can't find it then...
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July 14, 2014Some awesome stories in here, but then again Justice tales are my favorities. There were two in this book that I would like to add to my storytelling repertoire. Excellent notes and bibliography as well. I may purchase this one for my library.
November 5, 2014
I really should buy a copy because I've borrowed it from the library at least 5 times. It's just good.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews