Travelling to Tondo: A Tale of the Nkundo of Zaire
on Goodreads (52)
What’s inside...
Bowane the civet cat is preparing for his wedding and invites his friends - a pigeon, a python, and a tortoise - to join him on his journey to Tondo with gifts for his bride. As they travel, they face numerous delays, and when they finally arrive in Tondo after years, they are not welcomed. This story is a retelling of a traditional African folk tale, beautifully illustrated and perfect for reading aloud.
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bowane The Civet Cat
The Tortoise
Crow
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the civet to travel all the way to Tondo?
How did the various characters in the story react differently to the journey?
What can we learn about friendship from the interactions between the animals?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
What are the different challenges the characters faced, and how did they overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story come alive for your child. Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story to encourage prediction skills. After reading, connect the story's themes to your child's experiences, such as a time they went on a trip or helped a friend. Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, and describe why they chose that particular part. Discuss the cultural aspects of the Nkundo people and Zaire to broaden your child's world view.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of keeping promises
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist makes a promise to attend his friend's wedding and embarks on a long journey to fulfill this commitment, demonstrating the significance of keeping one's word.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being reliable and trustworthy, which helps in building strong relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Despite facing various obstacles during the journey, the main character persists and shows determination to reach his destination, illustrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: The story encourages children to stay determined and keep trying, even when they face difficulties in tasks or goals in school or at home.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story centers around a journey made to honor a friendship, underscoring the importance of maintaining and cherishing friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to value their friends and make efforts to support and be present during important moments.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The protagonist encounters unexpected situations and adapts his plans accordingly, showing flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that sometimes adapting to new circumstances is necessary and can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The tale introduces children to the customs and traditions of the Nkundo of Zaire, fostering cultural awareness and respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences, which is essential in our diverse global community.