Mpuke, Our Little African Cousin

Name: Mpuke, Our Little African Cousin
Author: Mary Hazelton Blanchard Wade

By Mary Hazelton Blanchard Wade

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Children & Young Adult Reading

About This Book

The narrative presents the daily life and surroundings of a young African boy named Mpuke, depicting his family, village houses, bathing rituals, clothing, and communal customs. Chapters move from childhood play, apprenticeships with blacksmiths and dentists, and boys' mock battles to large communal events such as elephant hunts, gorilla hunts, songs, stories, and battle feasts, and examinations of local beliefs including the medicine-man. Natural-history episodes describe regional animals and creatures such as gorillas, elephants, spiders, and land-crabs, while a pair of chapters explores a neighboring community of dwarfs and their way of life.

About the Author

Mary Hazelton Blanchard Wade

Mary Hazelton Blanchard Wade was an American author known for her children's literature, particularly her series that introduces young readers to various cultures through the eyes of children from different countries. Her notable works include "Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin" and "Mari, Our Little Norwegian Cousin," which are part of her broader collection that aims to foster understanding and appreciation of global diversity. Wade's stories often feature relatable characters and engaging narratives, making them accessible and enjoyable for young audiences. Through her writing, she contributed to the literary heritage of early 20th-century children's literature.