The Banza: A Haitian Story

When Tegora, a little tiger, and Cabree, a little goat, find shelter together during a fierce storm, they become fast friends. As they part, Teegra gives to Cabree his family banza, a little banjo, and tells her, "It will protect you. The banza belongs to the heart, and there is no stronger protection than the heart." Cabree does not really understand, but she goes trotting on her way, stopping now and then to play a tune on her banza. Before long, though, she finds herself in grave danger and discovers that her banza does indeed have very special powers. Diane Wolkstein's spirited writing brings out they gaiety and sweetness of this Haitian tale, and Marc Brown's fanciful pictures are rich in color, detail, and humor.