How the Ostrich Got Its Long Neck

Name: How the Ostrich Got Its Long Neck
Brand: Recorded Books
Availability: InStock
Author: Verna Aardema
ISBN: 9781490677569

Author: Verna Aardema

Narrator: John McDonough

Unabridged: 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 11/27/2015

Categories: Fiction, Fairy Tales & Legends

Synopsis

Long ago, when the world was new, the ostrich's neck was so short that he couldn't reach the succulent berries in the trees, and he had to sit on the ground to eat bugs. All that changed on the fateful day when the crocodile awoke with a terrible toothache that no one dared to help her with-no one, that is, but a naive and compassionate young ostrich. Compromising his own safety to help a needy stranger, he was rewarded with a most amazing surprise. This delightful African folk tale comes from the Akamba people of Kenya, a word that means "the place where there are ostriches." Verna Aardema's masterful word play lends itself perfectly to being read aloud. Made-up words for the sounds of tears falling, ostriches strutting, and kudus galloping create an atmosphere of sheer delight.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Abigail

When Crocodile gets a toothache, none of the animals are willing to take the risk of helping her, until Ostrich is moved by her tears. But Crocodile's hunger overpowers her pain, and she clamps down on Ostrich's head, precipitating a tug-of-war with surprising consequences... This pourquoi tale from......more

Goodreads review by Heather

This was a really fun book. The illustrations were not the best (not the African bright colors), but the story is well written and the kids really enjoyed. It's a great complement to any study of Africa. This is a book of 'creation' stories - stories of how animals became the way they are. How they g......more

Goodreads review by Just a Girl Fighting Censorship

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears was one of my favorite picture books ever since it was read to me in 3rd grade, so when I saw that the author wrote this other African pourquoi story I was excited. Perhaps that excitement is what lead to my disappointment. The onomatopoeias are fun but the chara......more

Goodreads review by Sarah

Summary: This fun book tells a story about how the ostrich got its long neck. Evaluation: The text was an extremely entertaining book to read! The illustrations were appealing and the story was fun to go through. Very appropriate for younger grades. Teaching Idea: One could use this book to introduce......more