Nobiah's Well: A Modern African Folktale

Rating:
Summary: Good Message for Children
Review: Nobiah's Well is the story of a young boy's generosity and compassion. Its theme is that the kindness you extend to others will come back to you. This book teaches children the importance of sharing. This is the story of Nobiah,a young boy who, along with his mother and baby sister, lives in a land where it has not rained for many years. Their only supply of water comes from a well that is miles away. One morning Nobiah's mother is ill, and she sends him to the well for water. On the way home, he meets several different, thirsty animals. He shares his water with them, and by the time he arrives home, there is only enough water for his mother and sister to drink. There is no water for Nobiah or the family's precious garden. His mother is furious with him, and in a fit of anger, throws the water jug, and breaks it into pieces. During the night, the animals that Nobiah has helped return for more water. When Nobiah tells them there is no water, the animals tell him to dig a well "as deep as your heart and as wide as your thirst". Nobiah begins to dig the well, but grows weary and falls asleep. The animals continue digging through the night, digging with pieces of the broken water jug. In the morning, there is a well for all the village to use. The book has beautiful illustrations that children will enjoy.