Achebe's (Things Fall Apart) lengthy folktale (first published in the 1970s) paired Grandpré's new lush illustrations tells of King Leopard and the animals of the forest living in harmony, and the struggle for power that shatters it.
At King Leopard's suggestion, the animals work together to build a beautiful hall as shelter during the rainy season. All of the animals help—except for the dog and the duck. But when the rains hit while the leopard is away, the dog gets flooded out of his cave and turns everyone out of the hall. King Leopard returns, but the dog defeats him in a bloody struggle. The animals desert their kind ruler, and switch allegiance to the dog. Leopard seeks revenge and, armed with newly hewn claws, he ousts the dog and rules the remaining animals through fear. The dog, banished, agrees to become the slave of Man in return for protection: "Today the animals are no longer friends, but enemies." This tale of disingenuous loyalties and rulers who turn from kind to cruel invites closer examination of the importance of social bonds.
Stunning illustrations by Grandpré (the Harry Potter books) bring life to the somber tale with bold use of line and color. Printed borders surround many two-page spreads draw the eye into the action of the pictures. The fighting scenes between leopard and dog, as well as the single image of heartbroken leopard's face, brim with emotion. Achebe's allegorical tale of African struggles teaches as well as engages. Sure to spark discussion. --JoAnn Jonas, public librarian and blogger