The books in this section are usually hardcover and in decent shape, though we'll sometimes offer hard-to-find books in lesser condition at a reduced price. Though we often put images of the book with their original dust jackets, the copies here won't always (or even often) have them. If that is important to you, please call ahead or say so in the order comments!
Mogo's Flute was one of the selections of the Weekly Reader Children's Book Club in the 1960s.
It tells the story of a young Kikuyu boy who lived in Kenya, East Africa, in a village of round thatched huts surrounded by vegetable patches, or shambas. Like most children, he has dreams and aspirations and his particular dream is to own a flute so he can make beautiful music. Mogo is small and weak, and, playing the flute is the only thing at which he truly excels. Ashamed that he is not strong enough to do "man's work," he seeks the advice of a local wise man who tells him to learn other things than flute playing, which he does.
While Mogo learns other skills, the reader is introduced to various aspect of Kenya's people, music, family, cultural traditions, responsibilities. But the story returns to the theme of his flute when, while herding goats, Mogo and other boys experience a frightening storm and the goats run away. In a story reminiscent of Aesop, we see Mogo's talent save the day.
Did you find this review helpful?