📖 Overview
Muriel Feelings (1938-2011) was an American children's book author best known for creating educational books that introduced African culture and Swahili language to young readers. Her most significant works include "Moja Means One: A Swahili Counting Book" (1971) and "Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book" (1974), both illustrated by her husband Tom Feelings.
After studying at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art and Los Angeles State College, Feelings embarked on a transformative journey to Uganda in 1966 where she spent several years teaching. This experience significantly influenced her later literary works and commitment to African cultural education.
In collaboration with her husband Tom Feelings, she produced "Zamani Goes to Market" in 1970, marking the beginning of their creative partnership. Their works became important contributions to the rise of Afrocentric literature in the 1970s, combining educational content with cultural awareness.
The influence of her time in Africa and her dedication to cultural education shaped her literary career and established her as a significant voice in multicultural children's literature. Her books continue to serve as educational tools for teaching both language skills and African cultural awareness to young readers.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate the educational value and cultural authenticity of Feelings' books, with many parents and teachers noting how "Moja Means One" and "Jambo Means Hello" make learning Swahili accessible for children. On Amazon, multiple reviewers mention using these books in classroom settings.
Teachers highlight the books' effectiveness as counting and alphabet tools while simultaneously introducing African culture. One reader on Goodreads noted: "The illustrations connect children to authentic African scenes while teaching basic concepts."
Some readers point out that the books' dated illustrations and format may not appeal to contemporary children used to more modern presentations.
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon:
- Moja Means One: 4.7/5 (89 reviews)
- Jambo Means Hello: 4.6/5 (76 reviews)
Goodreads:
- Moja Means One: 4.1/5 (321 ratings)
- Jambo Means Hello: 4.2/5 (247 ratings)
- Zamani Goes to Market: 3.9/5 (42 ratings)
📚 Books by Muriel Feelings
Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book (1974)
A children's book that teaches the Swahili alphabet by presenting 24 Swahili words and their English translations, accompanied by Tom Feelings' illustrations depicting East African life.
Moja Means One: A Swahili Counting Book (1971) An educational book that introduces numbers 1-10 in Swahili, featuring scenes of East African daily life illustrated by Tom Feelings.
Zamani Goes to Market (1970) A story following a young African child's journey to the market, illustrated by Tom Feelings and depicting everyday life in an African community.
Moja Means One: A Swahili Counting Book (1971) An educational book that introduces numbers 1-10 in Swahili, featuring scenes of East African daily life illustrated by Tom Feelings.
Zamani Goes to Market (1970) A story following a young African child's journey to the market, illustrated by Tom Feelings and depicting everyday life in an African community.
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