Mogo's Flute
(also Mugo's Flute)
Written by Hilda van Stockum
Focus Books Edition illustrated by Hilda van Stockum
Viking Edition illustrated by Robin Jacques
Mogo
was a Kikuyu boy who lived in Kenya, East Africa, in a village of round
thatched huts. He had not grown tall and strong like other boys because
of a thahu -- a spell -- laid on him when he was a baby. He was too
frail to share in the work and play of his village, and for a long time
he was content just to play his flute, which he loved." At his
sister's urging Mogo went to see the "Mundo-Mugo" to have the spell
taken off. The wise man told him that "Even with a thahu you are still
a member of your tribe. You must take your part in the work and games
of your tribe. Otherwise you bring no honor to your ancestors." He was
sent away with a riddle to solve: "What is good to have, better to
lose, and best to find again?" First Released: 1966, Viking
Subsequent Release: 1998, Focus (under the title Mugo's Flute)
Available for Purchase:
Focus Books