Image Source: Book Trust
Don’t Spill The Milk!
Author: Stephen Davies
Illustrator: Christopher Corr
Published in 2013 by Andersen Press
Don’t Spill The Milk is a precious story of determination and unconditional love. Since it is rainy season in Africa, Penda’s father is up in the grasslands caring for their sheep. Penda, a young Fulani girl in Niger, is on a mission to deliver a bowl of milk to her father, but she must be extremely careful so that she does not spill a drop. She cautiously treks through difficult landscapes and past a caravan of camels, a fascinating mask dance, and fifteen giraffes, all while doing her best to maintain her concentration so that she keeps the bowl of milk balanced on her head. Upon reaching her father, an unexpected incident causes the milk to be lost. Penda is devastated but her father calmly comforts her by putting everything into perspective. Rhythmic text and bright, beautiful illustrations will captivate readers throughout this vibrant story.
Additional Resources:
Author Stephen Davies website biography:
http://www.voiceinthedesert.org.uk/about/
Interview with author Stephen Davies about living in Africa as a missionary and the inspiration for his books:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatlife/8009138/Stephen-Davies-When-I-got-to-Africa-it-felt-like-coming-home.html
