Celebrate the culture of Africa in New York City's Central Park where LeVar learns how African drums are made, then plays some authentic African instruments. Finally he joins in the festival fun with an African dance troupe, Forces of Nature.

Review books

Feature Book:

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

This is an African tale of Mufaro's two beautiful daughters--one bad-tempered, one kind and sweet. They are presented to the king, who is choosing a wife.

Author: John Steptoe
Illustrator: John Steptoe
Publisher: William Morrow

Jambo Means Hello: Swahili Alphabet Book

A simple introductory lesson in the Swahili language and traditional East African life is given as each letter of the alphabet is related to a Swahili word, which is defined by text and illustrations.

Author: Muriel Feelings
Illustrator: Tom Feelings
Publisher: Penguin

Jafta

Jafta describes some of his everyday feelings by comparing his actions to those of various African animals.

Author: Hugh Lewin
Illustrator: Lisa Kopper
Publisher: Lerner Publications

Who's in Rabbits House?

In a story adapted from a Masai tale, The Long One is hiding in Rabbit's house and won't allow her inside. He threatens to trample her just as he tramples the elephants. The solution to Rabbit's problem comes not from her friends, but from an unexpected source.

Author: Verna Aardema
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Publisher: Penguin