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.
Adapted from a Masai folktale about a rabbit who can't get into her house because the Long One, who "eats trees and tramples on elephants," is hiding inside, this animated production is presented as a play performed by Masai actors wearing animal masks. Video narrated by James Earl Jones.
A tall tale sets off a comic chain of mishaps from Mosquito to Iguana to Python to Rabbit to Owl, but all is wisely resolved by King Lion at the jungle council meeting. Narrated by James Earl Jones.
