The Magic Flyswatter: A Superhero Tale of Africa, Retold from the Mwindo Epic

The Magic Flyswatter by Aaron Shepard

I really enjoyed this book. I really, really liked this book. It is always interesting to read stories that kids from another part of the world grew up hearing about. Every culture has their own brand of folklore that has been passed down through the generations.

This one is so different from any I have ever read. It is about "A Superhero Tale of Africa". The main character is Mwindo. As he lays in his mothers stomach waiting to be born; he decides he does not want to come out as other babies do. So he climbs out of his mothers navel. He jumped down ran around the room. In his hand was a conga flyswatter, with a handle of wood and a swatter of buffalo tail.

He Sings:
I am Mwindo, the one born walking,
the one born talking.
My father She-Mwindo does not want me.
My father the chief wants to kill me. But what can he do against me?

There is so much I would like to say about this book. But I do not want to spoil it for anyone. I can say in the end you will find something that all children around the world want and need. This book will not disappoint you. It is a must read.

Thanks again Mr. Shepard for giving us another great book.

Sandy Heptinstall