Product Description

The sky was once so close to the Earth that people cut parts of it to eat, but their waste and greed caused the sky to move far away.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #224317 in Books
• Published on: 1995-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780316308748
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
PW praised the "dazzling, boldly hued illustrations" in this tale of an idyllic period when the sky itself is a source of sustenance. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-- This pourquoi tale, first told 500 years ago by the Bini tribe of Nigeria, has a topical message that is accessible to children without being heavy-handed. ``In the beginning,'' the sky was so close to the earth that anyone who was hungry could just reach up, take a piece, and eat it. The sky was delicious, tasting sometimes of meat stew, sometimes of roasted corn. But the people grew careless with the sky's gifts, taking more than they needed to satisfy their hunger. The sky grew angry, threatening to withhold its gifts if the people continued to waste them. True to its promise, the sky moved far away, and the Bini were forced to plow the fields and hunt the forest. Golembe's striking illustrations deepen and enrich this simple tale, adding immensely to the book's appeal. Using a strong, sure line and a palette of deep, vibrant colors, she evokes a timeless African landscape, resonating both the mythic and contemporary themes. The symbolic qualities of the story are strengthened by a deceptively simple composition and the weight of the flat, stylized figures, done in dense, pure black. An eye-catching choice for folklore or picture book collections, and especially useful in supplementing multicultural and ecological curricula. --Linda Boyles, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Once the sky was so close that people could reach up and break off pieces of it to eat, but they wasted so much that the sky grew angry. Finally, after a woman broke off a big piece despite the sky's warnings and then tried to hide what she couldn't finish, the sky floated up to where it is today, forcing us to work for our food ever since. First published as a picture book in 1974, this Nigerian tale is presented here with some revision (lines added, sexist language removed) and colorful new illustrations. Golembe's large monotypes combine simple patterns and stylized but recognizable objects; intensely black human figures provide focal points in most scenes. The story may be centuries old, but it teaches a timely lesson and is retold in a lively, nonpreachy way. (Folklore/Picture book. 6-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

good for kids without their realizing it
I find myself struggling to get my daughter to eat foods good for her body and read books good for her mind. This book accomplished what I wanted -- it teaches about a different culture, taking care of the environment, and how greed leads to punishment. It did this with an entertaining story and beautiful pictures, fully deserving it's prominent place on my daughter's bookshelf.

Great folk tale for kids of all ages!!
Why the sky is far away is a great story that teaches important ecological and moral values in a fun way. The illustrations are amazing and the story is delightful.

Another tale to answer "Why"?
I used this story as part of a presentation on Nigeria to elementary school classes from K to 5th graders. The text and pictures pair up to tell this wonderful folk tale that has been handed down through the years but whose message remains important for our children to learn today: responsibility belongs to everyone when it comes to wisely using our resources.