A Gift from Childhood: Memories of an African Boyhood (review)

Artist and storyteller Baba Wagué Diakité tells of his childhood in Mali, West Africa, through a series of brief, elegant remembrances and parables. As a child in the village of Kassaro, living with his grandparents, he learns firsthand about the land and the folk history of his people. From a brief, humorous anecdote on learning to catch catfish with bare hands from his grandma, to folktales about the personified Death and a genie that got tricked, Diakité creates a mosaic made up of village life, personal history, and the rich Malian culture within which he was nurtured and inspired. Diakité both illustrates the immense significance of storytelling in his culture and demonstrates ample skill, portraying his personal history with humor, grace, and finesse. Each story offers a unique point but also fits within the larger whole, imparting memorable nuggets of wisdom along the way. The text is accompanied by Diakité's original illustrations in two styles: stark, refined black-and-white patterned outlines, and full-color paintings in rich blues and burnt yellows and oranges, both painted and fired on earthenware tiles. The paintings are stylized, detailed, and full of life, and they generally correspond with the stories, though additional captions would be helpful at some points. Together, the lyrical writing and vivid illustrations create a moving and inspiring picture of Mali. While getting this book into the hands of young readers or their teachers may take some selling, it could be read effectively in sections, and those who do dive in will find this a gratifying read.