"Every time Baba behaved in this manner, Grandma Sabou would calmly get up and go to rest on her bamboo bed, letting the boy cry until he was exhausted. Then Baba's forehead would slowly drift onto his right knee, and he would sleep for a good hour.
When he awoke, he would be hungry enough to eat the entire bowl of sticky porridge.
Grandma would smile and say, 'The best time to do something is when you are willing to do it. Baba, you did a good job.'"
One of the first lessons that Baba learned from his grandmother when he began his new life in the Malian village where his grandparents lived was the one described above. In the time that he spends in this close African community, he will learn many more. They are lessons needed for life. Baba is sent to Grandma Sabou's village from the city, as is custom in his family. The lessons taught and the stories told are his education until Grandma decides he has learned enough to return to the city and move forward with his life.
"No matter how cloudy the past may look, the bright future will be born from it."
When he moves away, he is better prepared for the life that he chooses to live...that of artist and storyteller. His talents will lead him to a much different life in America. But, he will carry the lessons learned in his heart and mind always. It is a very special legacy.
This is a book that should be shared as short stories in a middle years classroom, allowing listeners a glimpse into the 'education' that Wague received prior to his formal schooling. Some stories will require interpretation and perhaps some background information to make them more enjoyable for listeners. There is much to discover about life for a young child in his grandparents' home village. The artwork that accompanies each story has strong color, insightful detail and the beauty that is Africa.
"As an adult now, with my own family to care for, I have come to clearly see the unbelievable effort others have made for me. Many people were involved in raising little me in the village, and they endowed me with gifts I will carry my entire life. They gave me the knowledge from their own life experiences and handed me stories they have heard from their elders.
These are the true treasures that I will cherish forever."
And finally:
"Take things one day at a time and do not worry too much about tomorrow, because perhaps there is nothing in tomorrow to worry about." Mama Penda
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