Reviews for Bimwili and the Zimwi

The average rating for Bimwili and the Zimwi based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-09-21 00:00:00 brad Bachew This moving story originated in Zanzibar and is retold in a beautifully descriptive style by Aardema whose writing is complemented by equally lovely illustrations from Susan Meddaugh. It tells the story of a young girls first adventure from her village and how negligence can end in disaster, but that a families love will always prevail in keeping one safe. Bimwili, our heroine, is captured on her adventure by an evil Zimwi who hides her inside a drum and uses her lovely singing to make his fortune, traveling from village to village and tricking people into thinking the drum is singing. Finally he takes the drum with Bimwili inside back to the village where she is from. Of course her sisters recognise her voice and trick the Zimwi into giving her back. I liked this story as it shows the power of strong family values, how we all need to look after each other and, of course, the prevalence of good over evil. I also like it when traditional folk tales are retold for children in a simplified picture book format as I believe they all have a strong moral message to relate. This story could be used for cross curricular support for subjects such as science and geography in KS1. The children could source various objects that are mentioned in the book such as the sea shell and the drum and discuss how these objects produce sound. There is also a massive opportunity for role play as the children could have fun acting out characters or scenes from the book, especially as the author uses interesting sounds and words to express emotions in the story.

Review # 2 was written on 2018-10-21 00:00:00 LARRY NAVARRE An inquisitive young girl named Bimwili finds herself imprisoned in a "singing drum" by the troll-like Zimwi in this retelling of a folktale from Zanzibar. Eventually escaping through the power of her song, which she uses to communicate her plight, Bimwili is reunited with her family, and the Zimwi returns to his seaside haunts... Verna Aardema is known for her wonderful folktale adaptations, and Bimwili and the Zimwi is no exception. Engaging and fun to read, it includes a short glossary of Swahili words, and offers a brief note on the title page concerning its source material. Susan Meddaugh, whose series of picture books about the lovable mutt Martha are so popular, here offers soft, appealing illustrations that are the perfect complement to the story.