Bookverdict.com

PreS-Gr 3 An author's note explains that the Basotho women of southern Africa decorate the outside of their homes with designs that serve as prayers to their ancestors for rain. As this story begins, the weather has been dry for so long that young Elsina cannot even remember clouds. "Mama's field has died" and "Papa's goats starve." The girl asks when she can try painting, and her mother tells her, "When the rains come and wash away my designs, Elsina. Then you can paint the walls." Then P...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Elsina, the little girl who narrates this picture book, describes the terrible effects of days without rain: "Mama's field has died. Papa's goats starve. Where are the rain clouds to cover the sun? I can't remember rain." A brief author's note at the beginning explains that the Basotho women in southern Africa paint their houses as a form of prayer to their ancestors; Elsina longs to paint pictures on her own house to convince the ancestors to send much-needed rain. She finall...Log In or Sign Up to Read More