The Spirit of the Baobab Tree


Book Description

Out of the sketchbook of a nine-year-old foster child, a Griot appears to teach a class about their family histories, from Africa, to slavery in America, to crime-ridden cities, urging the children to acknowledge the pain and the triumphs of the past so they can choose to make a better future.




Under the Baobab Tree


Book Description

The baobab tree story, which I wrote (the church version) is actually based upon a true story, told by Limakatso Nare, a Lutheran pastor who is currently serving a congregation in Louisiana. When he was growing up in his native Africa, he gathered for Sunday school under the baobab tree. Here he learned the Biblical stories of Noah and the ark, Jonah and the big fish, and the parables of Jesus. His Sunday school experiences inspired my story, Under the Baobab Tree.




The Expedition to the Baobab Tree


Book Description

Learning to survive in the harsh interior of Southern Africa, a former slave seeks shelter in the hollow of a baobab tree. For the first time since she was a young girl her time is her own, her body is her own, her thoughts are her own. In solitude, she is finally able to reflect on her own existence and its meaning, bringing her a semblance of inner peace. Scenes from her former life shuttle through her mind: how owner after owner assaulted her, and how each of her babies were taken away as soon as they were weaned, their futures left to her imagination. We are the sole witnesses to her history: her capture as a child, her tortured days in a harbor city on the eastern coast as a servant, her journey with her last owner and protector, her flight, and the kaleidoscopic world of her baobab tree. Wilma Stockenström's profound work of narrative fiction, translated by Nobel Prize winner J.M. Coetzee, is a rare, haunting exploration of enslavement and freedom.




African Tree Tales


Book Description

The baobab (bay-oh-bab) is known as the tree God planted upside down and also the tree of life. There are many folktales, myths and legends surrounding the baobab tree, stories were told to an ancestor whose ancestors told them to them, who had received them from their ancestors, and so back into the ancient San Tribe storytelling history. The baobab is truly the tree of life this is why the African San people believe the tree has enchanted powers. Baobab tree African folktales teach powerful lessons on resilience, inner strength and the unyielding hopefulness of the human spirit.




The Talking Baobab Tree


Book Description

A rabbit, lost in the desert and saved by a baobab tree, outwits a stronger, envious neighbor.




The Baobabs: Pachycauls of Africa, Madagascar and Australia


Book Description

This is the only comprehensive account of all eight species in the genus Adansonia. It describes the historical background from the late Roman period to the present. It covers the extraordinary variety of economic uses of baobabs. There are also appendices on vernacular names, gazetteer, economics, nutrition and forest mensuration. This book fills a gap in the botanical literature. It deals with a genus that has fascinated and intrigued scientists and lay persons for centuries.




Like a Tree


Book Description

The internationally known author and speaker provides an insightful look into the fusion of ecological issues and global gender politics. This book on the importance of trees grew out of Bolen’s experience mourning the loss of a Monterey pine that was cut down in her neighborhood. That, combined with her practice of walking among tall trees, led to her deep connection with trees and an understanding of their many complexities. She expertly explores the dynamics of ecological activism, spiritual activism, and sacred feminism. And, she invites us to join the movement to save trees. While there is still much work to be done to address environmental problems, there are many stories of individuals and organizations rising up to make a change and help save our planet. The words and stories that Bolen weaves throughout this book are both inspirational and down-to-earth, calling us to realize what is happening to not only our trees, but our people. In Like a Tree learn more about: The dynamic nature of trees — from their anatomy to their role as an archetypal symbol Pressing social issues such as deforestation, global warming, and overpopulation What it means to be a “tree person” “You will never again see [a tree] without knowing it has a novel inside, it’s supporting your life, and it’s more spiritual than any church, temple or mosque. Like a Tree is the rare book that not only informs, but offers a larger consciousness of life itself.” —Gloria Steinem




Thank You, Baobab Tree!


Book Description

The nav̐e wooden puppet comes to life through illustrations that use a detailed woodblock and etching technique.




Lost Crops of Africa


Book Description

This report is the second in a series of three evaluating underexploited African plant resources that could help broaden and secure Africa's food supply. The volume describes the characteristics of 18 little-known indigenous African vegetables (including tubers and legumes) that have potential as food- and cash-crops but are typically overlooked by scientists and policymakers and in the world at large. The book assesses the potential of each vegetable to help overcome malnutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and create sustainable landcare in Africa. Each species is described in a separate chapter, based on information gathered from and verified by a pool of experts throughout the world. Volume I describes African grains and Volume III African fruits.




The Spirit & the Letter


Book Description

'The Spirit & the Letter' discusses the Bible’s position on issues of marriage, divorce and remarriage. It also discusses spiritual marriage, whether it is real or a fairy tale and what the Bible says about spirits and their dealings with man. It further discusses the church’s usage of anointing oil, its origin and whether its usage is in line with the Bible. Finally, it deals with issues of witchcraft and why it is an issue for the church to grapple with. The book seeks to correct or suggest actions to be taken to correct erroneous teachings and anomalies that have rather been turned to norms and practices by contemporary church, despite the Bible’s clear teaching on the contrary. Its aim is to refer Christians back to the biblical foundation of Christian practice and to effect change in how people view the issues on discussion; and to stimulate further discussion on the matters.