Citation:  Sundiata: Lion King of Mali  by David Wisniewski and David Wisniewski, ill. New York: Clarion Books, 1992.

ISBN: 9780395613023

Annotation: This is the tale of Sundiata, the King of Mali.  He was born unable to speak or to walk, but rose to greatness to defeat his rival brother and rule Mali with kindness.

Media: Cut-Paper Illustrations

Personal Rating: 5Q/4P

Curricular Connections:  This would be a good choice for a study of Africa and the great kings of Mali. It would also work well for a biography unit.

Grade Level or Age Range: Grades 5-8

Artwork: Wisnieswski studied the artwork of Mali at the library of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art. He also had his sketches reviewed by experts such as Patrick McNaughton, who is the associate Professor of African Art at Indiana State University. Wisnieswski used pottery and textile patterns for his backgrounds and for the buildings that he drew.  He traced each picture and then used carbon paper to transfer the pictures to colored paper.  He cut out each detail with a #11 X –Acto blade.  The pieces were assembled with double-stick photo mountings and foam tape. The pieces were then photographed with light and shadow for dramatic effect by Less Salsbery. The cut-paper illustrations are incredible because they are historically accurate, but they are also full of detail and color. For example, when Sundiata grabs an iron bar to force himself up to walk, his strength is seen by the strong vertical lines of his legs, the iron bar, and the lines in his cloak.  The background is bright yellow and has cut stones, bushes, and grasses to emphasize his movement. The illustrations work brilliantly with the text.

By: Joanne Maher July 27th, 2009