Traditional African Folktales and Biblical Teachings Come Together in New Children’s Book Series

RENTON, WA – Blue Brush Media an independent children’s media company has released the first book in its pioneering new “Sikulu and Harambe” adventure series, titled Sikulu and Harambe: By the Zambezi River (www.sikulu.com).

Following two lovable characters, Sikulu the spider and Harambe the hippo, as they travel throughout Africa, this first tale is a rich and engaging adaptation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan that illustrates and encourages children’s appreciation for kindness and consideration.

In this timeless adventure, Sikulu and Harambe find themselves in the village of Sioma in Zambia where they encounter an old woman in need of help. While the other animals in the village create excuses to avoid helping the woman, Sikulu and Harambe step in and give aid while also helping Sikulu face his fear of water.

Based on a traditional folktale, the story reinforces the beauty of kindness to strangers, while also illustrating the concept that sometimes it is necessary to overcome personal challenges to provide an act of compassion.

“The book offers an African adaptation of the story of the Good Samaritan that reflects the author’s personal spirituality and captures the relevance and universality of the teachings of Jesus. The message is exquisitely illustrated and is assisted by appropriate notes that will introduce young American readers to the rich culture heritage and spiritual sensitivity of their African counterparts," affirms The Rev. Dr. M.W.R. Stott, Clinical Psychologist and Rector of St. Luke’s Anglican Church in East Aurora, NY.

The book concludes with a discussion of the moral of the story and a glossary of words, names and places within the narrative and information about Zambia and its culture.

“In the African culture, many life lessons and moral values are passed down in the form of folktales. Living in modern America, our children are often devoid of that experience. Through this story, it is my vision that children learn and enjoy the gift of storytelling all the while learning to move outside their ‘comfort zone’ and aspire to be good ‘neighbors’ in the greater sense,” declares Author Kunle Oguneye.

Sikulu & Harambe: By the Zambezi River retails for $14.95, and may be purchased at www.sikulu.com, Amazon.com and bookstores worldwide. Written for ages Pre-School to Grade 3, Blue Brush Media expects to release a new book in the series annually.

Author Kunle Oguneye began his professional life as an engineer and software developer. Since re-discovering his love for traditional storytelling, he has embarked upon a journey of re-telling African folktales from his childhood in Nigeria. With a vision of creating a child’s portal to Africa and to the world outside the “west”, his stories are created to expose children to the beautiful culture and stories of Africa while capturing the wisdom of our elders.

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Provided by CNTNewswire.com