The Hunterman and the Crocodile

The Hunterman and the Crocodile, published in 1997, is an old african folktale, adapted and illustrated by Baba Wague Diakite. This book conveys an important message: that man must respect the natural environment and see himself as part of it, not as someone who presides over it. In this tale, the main character, Donso the Hunterman, comes across a group of crocodiles, who ask him to assist them in crossing a river. Initially, Donso is reluctant, fearing that they will bite him but he finally agrees. Yet when they reach the middle of the river, the crocodiles decide that they would like to have a bite of him, after all. Donso turns to the animals around him for help, but receives the same answer: that he deserves to be eaten because men like him have always trampled upon other living things. Finally, with the help of a cunning rabbit, Donso captures the crocodiles and takes them to his village with the intention of feasting upon them. Yet, upon arriving, he finds out that his wife is gravely ill, and the only thing that can cure her are a crocodile's tears. Donso promises to free the crocodiles if they give him their tears. Upon hearing this, the crocodiles shed tears of joy, which cure Donso's wife. Through this adventure, Donso realized how important it is to live in harmony with nature.



This book should clearly be classified in the folklore genre. It is a version of an old folktale, which has been passed down through hundreds of years to enlighten listeners. More specifically, it is a talking animal tale, since the animals communicate with a human being.Its theme, the need for respect towards the natural world, is a topic of universal human concern.The tale also incorporates common conventions of folktales, such as the opening phrase of "There was a time when..."The way the story is told preserves the overall feeling and the straightforward structure of oral stories. Finally, Diakite has also done a very good job as an illustrator. His illustrations offer authentic cultural detail, especially in depicting Donso's elaborate native clothing. Their vivid colors are perfect for the depiction of the african forest and its inhabitants.

 



This book would provide the opportunity for a discussion about the environment and man's relation to it. After reading the story I would ask my students the following questions:

• Do you think the animals were right in not wanting to help Donso?
• What was the valuable lesson that Donso learned?
• Do you respect the environment? In what ways do you exhibit this respect?

         In the book various animals give their own reasons for not helping Donso. As a motivational activity, I would ask my students to add one more animal to the tale, and write down what this animal would say to Donso.

As a second activity, I would ask them to do a presentation on a folktale of their own choice.

 

        

This is a wonderful book, which can teach students to consider their own behavior towards animals and the environment.

Baba Wague Diakite was born in Bamako, Mali, in West Africa. He spent most of his early childhood in a small village. He now resides in Portland, Oregon with his family. The Hunterman and the Crocodile was his first book.

 



Other works include:

The Hatseller and the Monkeys(1999)

The Magic Gourd(2003)

I Lost My Tooth In Africa(2006)

Diakite, Baba Wague. (1997). The Hunterman and The Crocodile. Scholastic Press.

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .