Sundiata: Lion King of Mali

Clarion Books, 1992 - Biography & Autobiography - 32 pages

The story of Sundiata, son of the king of Mali in the time of the great trading empires of Africa some eight hundred years ago, is a powerful tale of courage and determination. As a boy, Sundiata was unable to speak or walk. He overcame these obstacles, but was driven into exile by a rival queen. When Mali was overrun by intruders, 18-year-old Sundiata returned to defeat them and reclaim the throne. Full color.

About the author

David Wisniewski (wiz-NESS-key) was born in Middlesex, England, in 1953. After training at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, he spent three years as a clown, designing and constructing his own props, costumes, and gags. He was subsequently hired by his future wife, Donna, as a performer with a traveling puppet theatre. Married six months later, the Wisniewskis started their own troupe, Clarion Shadow Theatre, specializing in shadow puppetry. In the course of creating the plays, puppets, and projected scenery, Mr. Wisniewski evolved the storytelling techniques and art skills that eventually led to his picture books with their unique cut-paper illustrations. His retelling of GOLEM was awarded the 1997 Caldecott Medal. David Wisniewski died in 2002 in the Maryland home he shared with his wife and two children.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Sundiata: Lion King of Mali
• Illustrated by: David Wisniewski
• Contributor: David Wisniewski
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Clarion Books, 1992
• Original from: the University of Michigan
• Digitized: Aug 31, 2009
• ISBN: 0395613027, 9780395613023
• Length: 32 pages
• Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / General; History / Africa / General; Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Africa; Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / General; Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Royalty; Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Africa; Juvenile Nonfiction / People & Places / Africa