Z is for Zulu

The Zulu are a South African ethnic group of an estimated 17-22 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

A patriarchal society, the gender roles of Zulu are clearly delineated, with the boys and men organized as warriors in support of the king. The Zulu Kingdom played a major role in South African History during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Under apartheid, Zulu people were classed as third-class citizens and suffered from state sanctioned discrimination.

 Today, they are the most numerous ethnic group in South Africa, and have equal rights along with all other citizens. They are famous for their bead work, which is not only beautiful but traditionally the patterns were used for communication. Their music also has become popular worldwide.

When my family and I were in South Africa a few years ago, we had the opportunity to meet several Zulu women.  They were working in a cooperative making beautiful bead work while their young children attended pre-school on the premises.

This is a win-win situation for all concerned.  The women are helping support their children, who are learning in a structured safe environment. 

The bead work made by the Zulu women is some of the finest of its kind in the world.  An empowering situation for the mothers and a nurturing environment for their young children.  What could be better for these worthy and proud people!    

 

Press Here--A New Children's Book by Herve Tullet

Here is a new book from Chronicle Publishing, aimed at helping kids use their imaginations.  It was written by Herve Tullet.  Press Here has received much attention thus far and is said by some reviewers and bloggers to be the new generation in picture books. 

The book has no characters other than the reader.  It is comprised of dots in primary colors with scant instructions at the bottom of each page. 

“Rub the dot on the left . . . gently”  is on each white page. The tasks then set in motion the “action” on the following pages: A rubbed dot on Page 5 changes color on Page 7; a tapped dot proliferates into multiple polka dots; a shaken book scatters the dots across a two-page spread.  

This is a book that can certainly help a child build cognitive skills and have fun in the doing.  Herve Tullet, who is French and lives in Paris, has written several other children's books and concentrates on the pre-school age child.

Take a look at the trailer Press Here, and make up your own mind!