Africans Thought of It: Amazing Innovations

Description

Did you know that aloe vera-now found in countless products, including sunscreens and soaps-was first used by Africans? They ground it into powder and used it to treat burns and other skin conditions, and hunters used it to disguise their scent from animals. They also used the nutritious oil from the fruit of the oil palm tree in everything from cooking to medicines to wine. And the marimba, better known to us as the xylophone, is believed to have originated 700 years ago in Mali. Other unique African innovations include the technique of banana leaf art and using horns-and hairdos!-to communicate important messages. Africans Thought of It features descriptive photos and information-packed text that is divided into sections, including: * Agriculture * Food * Medicine * Music * Architecture * Games & Sports This fourth book in Annick's successful We Thought of It series takes readers on a fascinating journey across the world's second largest continent to discover how aspects of its culture have spread around the globe.

Bathseba Opini, PhD, was born and raised in Kenya. She is a teacher at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Richard B. Lee, PhD, is an internationally known anthropologist and fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is professor of anthropology at the University of Toronto, Ontario.

Any social studies classroom or world geography collection would welcome this content-rich and attractive volume which uses drawings, diagrams, photographs and maps. Numerous sidebars and captioned illustrations enhance the content.... Will appeal to the upper-elementary, young adult researcher. Recommended.--Anna Hartle"Library Media Connection" (03/01/2012) Because of the way the information is presented, the book is very browseable and readers can dip in and out of it, although it's interesting enough that once they dip in, they probably won't dip out until they've read the whole thing.--Jen Rothschild"Biblio File" (12/23/2011) No matter how much you know about the traditions and products of this vast, multi-cultural continent, Africans Thought of It: Amazing Innovations will reveal something new.--Barbara Bamberger Scott"ForeWord Reviews" (03/24/2011) This is the fourth book, a great concept that introduces students to the infinite variety of innovations that have come from cultures around the world. . .Excellent colour photographs enhance the text and make it an accessible book for kids of all ages.--Mary Ann Cree"Canadian Children's Book News" (04/01/2011) This series of books provides a plethora of interesting and informative information both in text and pictorial formats that inspires the reader to learn about other cultures and their contributions to the world--Sharon Armstrong"Resource Links" (06/01/2011) Vivid photographs feature authentic objects used (such as the vuvuzela instrument or the bao game), while people engaged in activities capture an enthusiastic look at the reliance on community. Overall, succinct definitions and compact descriptions provide a brief and interesting blend of the contemporary with the traditional. The informative and age-appropriate introduction highlights the authors' personal and professional experiences.--Meg Smith"School Library Journal" (10/01/2011) Features...clear, colorful design that includes numerous full-color photos and a great deal of information...A fascinating blend of tradition and modernity is evident. . . . provides a plethora of interesting and informative information both in text and pictorial format. . .--Sharon Armstrong"Resource Links" (06/01/2011) . . .a great concept. . . Excellent colour photographs enhance the text and make it an accessible book for kids of all ages.--Mary Ann Cree"Canadian Children's Book News" (04/01/2011) No matter how much you know about...this vast...continent, Africans Thought of It will reveal something new.--Barbara Bamberger Scott"ForeWord Reviews" (03/24/2011)