The Fortune-Tellers

We loved the story and my kids are starting to unravel its deeper implications.

This beautifully illustrated book was a wonderful read for my nieces and nephews. They loved the colorful illustrations and the author’s dramatic rendering of events. If you’re thinking of buying this book for your little ones; do it. They will treasure memories of you reading this with them, for years afterward. I am considering buying a second copy so that I can have one at my home to read to them when they visit.

I have a student from Cameroon whose face lit up when I began reading this aloud. He shared additional information about his country and talked about the story and illustrations a ton.

I bought a used copy in great shape. I loved this book as a child. Was great to be able to buy it for my kids.

I recently sent Lloyd Alexander's "The Fortune-Tellers" picture book to my neice as a gift for her and her recently born child. She promptly sent a note thanking me for "the pleasure of re-living one of the joys of my own childhood." The outstanding appeals of this story are: the gorgeous colors that accurately depict the setting and especially the bright clothes worn by the West Africans; the laughter-inviting story for the children; and the humorous language that will keep adults turning the pages. My neice and her child will read this one together over and over.

I loved this book as a kid and now I'm buying it as a baby shower gift. Very cute and beautifully illustrated.

A mistake changes a man's life forever. The Fortune-Tellers by Lloyd Alexander tells a story about a young carpenter in Cameroon seeking out an aged fortune teller for a better future. After paying a nice fee, he gets optimistic prophesies on wealth, fame and true love. As he returns for more advice, the seer has mysteriously disappeared. Who knows this is the turn of the carpenter's fate? He is mistaken for the fortune teller. By repeating the seer's hardly helpful advice to the townspeople, just as the carpenter wishes, he becomes wealthy and famous, and is happily married to the cloth merchant's daughter.Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, the picture book is full of vibrant colors and details. The characters in multi-color African fabrics come to life through the double-page spread illustrations. The reader will be enthralled not only by the vivid scenery in West Africa but also the touches of humor. The twist-and-turn storyline will arouse them to turn the page from cover to cover. It's definitely the reader's fortune to pick this book.

Should be in the library of every child

I didn't know this book but it came up as a recommended book for multi culturalism. I was worried it would be a bit dated but it's really rich with strong imagery and storytelling. The story is a classic and could be set anywhere- it's a great idea for the kids to make a play from.What I like best is that it does what the best picture books should - whilst the words tell a good story, the pictures show so much more.There is lots to unpick and inspire so it makes a great lesson for primary students. I'm using it with year 5 (age 10).

A playfully fun story. It has the most beautiful pictures representing Africa. I will read it to my grandchildren many times because I want them to know what Africa is like.