E.Crump's Literature Collection Blog: Pinduli

Pinduli was written and illustrated by Janell Cannon. Cannon did an amazing job relaying the story of a hyena named Pinduli who teaches other creatures in the African safari that words can really hurt. This story is a heartwarming read, that will leave children wondering: Will Pinduli overcome the mean words that have been said to her?

This children's picture book fantasy was paired with realistic representational styled illustrations. The pictures throughout the capture the readers attention and enhance the storyline. Readers can see Pinduli's true hyena coat, on to the setting of the African safari full with rock cliffs and vast hills.

What makes this story so captivating is its story line that evokes emotion out of the reader . The plot develops and Pinduli becomes picked on more and more until the reader is left thinking: "Will Pinduli be able to realize that she is beautiful despite mean words from others?" Children would definitely become engaged in this book to learn the important moral that is central to this story.

Teachers should read this story to students between Kindergarten and 3rd grade. Children will enjoy the realistic illustrations that are shown throughout the book as well as the important message there is waiting to be revealed. While reading this story, teachers should ask questions such as: What do you think will happen next? Are the other animals being kind to Pinduli? Do you think Pinduli should change the way she looks? Is it nice to say hurtful comments to others? Why or why not? What is the moral of this story? What did the story mean to you?

Class activities:

1. Discuss superstitions such as ghosts, black cats, the number 13, etc. Investigate how superstitions get started and relate/compare/contrast the findings to how the superstition began in Pinduli.

2. Create a classroom mural on a long sheet of paper of all of the African safari animals that students can think of that were shown in Pinduli .

3. Have each child choose an imaginary animal/pet of their choice and create an imaginary conversation with the pet via an essay.

This is a media version of Pinduli by Janell Cannon:

I think this book is a great read for the home and the classroom. Children will love Pinduli as well as these other books written by Janell Cannon such as: