Aesop’s well known fable, ‘The Lion and the Mouse’, bears some similarities to ‘Dumazi and the Big Yellow Lion’. This story features the combined talents of writer/musician Valanga Khoza and artist/musician Matt Ottley. Together they offer a unique multi-dimensional experience combining words, illustrations and music.
Young Dumazi has a calabash upon her head. She is bound for the waterhole to fetch water. She comes upon a lion, entangled in a hunter’s rope trap, pleading for her help. She is wary knowing that lions eat girls like herself. The lion declares he would never do such a thing. Once freed though, he proclaims he is so hungry, he could eat a Zulu girl. After all it was only his mouth and not his tummy which promised Dumazi not to eat her.
Clever Dumazi suggests that they consult the other animals on this matter. An environmental theme emerges. The giraffe recalls humans cutting down trees and building fences, while the elephant remembers humans removing their tusks and destroying the jungle. Both declare the girl should be eaten by the lion. There is high drama until a very clever monkey entraps the lion again with a clever ruse. Good-hearted Dumazi again rescues the lion who has learned a small lesson and decides to leave Zulu girls and clever monkeys alone.
Matt Ottley’s digital mixed media artwork is the perfect accompaniment for this fable. Subtleties capture the viewer. For example, the textured paper in soft shades of golds and blues invite close examination. Animals are viewed from humorous and interesting perspectives. Darkly coloured scenes add tension and drama. The vast African countryside and bird life offer interesting backdrops to the main story.
The book’s accompanying CD offers an immensely enjoyable experience for individuals and groups. It captures the story’s drama and sly humour. Eleven musical compositions and songs enhance the story. Valanga Khoza has a storyteller’s flair for embellishing the written text. Author and illustrator worked together on these 11 musical pieces that feature the African Marimba and Kalimba instruments. This accompanying multi-dimensional aspect of ‘Dumazi and the Big Yellow Lion’ offers a memorable story experience.
Valanga Khoza grew up in a village in the Limpopo province of the Republic of South Africa. As a child he listened to stories told around the fire by his grandparents. These focussed on the interaction between animals and humans. He left South Africa in 1976, exiled in a struggle against racism. His music and stories reflect the people and places throughout his journey across the world as a refugee before settling in Australia.
Picture Books for Older Readers
