The Mean Hyena: A Folktale from Malawi

In this popular trickster tale from Malawi, Judy Sierra retells the story of how Kamba the tortoise gets his revenge when Fisi, the mean hyena, sticks him between two branches of a tree. Kamba's solution? Of course, paint all the animals new coats! Along they come: first Mbanda the zebra, who gets a coat of long, flowing stripes; then Nyalugwe the leopard, who stretches out on a branch for his spots. Many other animals follow. Finally, Fisi demands his beauty, and what does he get? Tree gum, which makes his fur stand up in patches so that the villagers laugh at him. If you see him, he will laugh right back, Ha, ha, ha! Judy Sierra is in great form with her latest retelling, and Michael Bryant's deep-hued watercolors pulsate with the texture and life of the savanna. Judy Sierra, a professional puppeteer and storyteller, is now a full-time writer and lecturer. Her two previous titles for Lodestar are The Elephant's Wrestling Match and Wiley and the Hairy Man.Michael Bryant, a children's book illustrator, has been described by Publishers Weekly as an impressive accomplished artist.