Themba and the Great Lion

About the Book

The talking drums of Bala thunder out a tale of high adventure. Themba and his wife, Sisiwe, along with Mother Makanya and the rest of the villagers in his tribe, tremble in terror and groan in misery. The whole community toils and sweats in sorrow and starts at the ferocious roar of their king, Sihkulumi, the Great Lion. Grandsire Damasi, a wise and sly elder, sets upon Themba the task of questing to the land beyond the hills. Should he dare, he will meet here the challenge of the three tests; and should he pass them, acquire the Ivory Necklace of Wisdom. Can Themba find the courage, cleverness, and wisdom to defeat the great and terrible lion Sihkulumi and somehow end the pain and suffering of his people? Now come with him as he taps the Staff of Truth three times and find out!

About the Author

The author, Eligah Boykin, inspired by the tales of John Henry, Pecos Bill, and the myths and folktales of Hercules, Paul Bunyan, Jack the Giant Killer and High John De Conqueror, wrote with the collaboration and under the mentorship of Pierre James Rener, this heroes tale of action and adventure. This story first toured the inner city of Detroit and the Detroit Public School system as a play written, directed and acted by the Cass Tech High School Children’s Touring Theater. Now you have it in your hands as a children’s book. The author wishes you all happy hunting as you now travel to the land beyond the hills with Themba. May you find the courage, cleverness and wisdom to pass all your tests and do not forget to tap the Staff of Truth three times.