The Hornbill and the Mongoose - Paperback

by Birgit Hendry (Editor), Michael Mmbuji (Illustrator), Grayson Anania Mbwambo (Translator)

The Hornbill and the Mongoose is an authentic Masai story, written for children in English and in KiSwahili, a language widely spoken in East Africa. It tells the story of a very special relationship between two different species of animals. The story is followed by some interesting facts about the Masai in East Africa.

Author Biography

David Read told his Masai legends from first hand experience. He was "Debbe" to the Masai people, with whom he spent many years of his childhood. David was born in Kenya in 1922, and spent his formative years living amongst the Masai people. From the age of seven Masai was David's first language, and he ran wild with the tribes-people, learning and absorbing their culture, customs, ceremonies and ethos. This idyllic life in Tanganyika was interrupted by the need for a more formal period of education. David qualified and worked as a metallurgist, however his work was cut short by the Second World War, during which he served with a number of East African units. After the War he spent six years working for the Tanganyika Veterinary Department, which gave him the opportunity to renew his early associations with the Masai people. He owned a farm on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, but with the gaining of independence by the East African countries, life became more tenuous and difficult for him. Finally in 1979 he returned to Kenya as an Agricultural Consultant. David's last years were spent in his own home, overlooking the Momella National Park in Tanzania. It was here, where he started to write down the stories and legends he had heard as a child in the bush. As a farmer, cattle dealer, hunter, aviator, fisherman, boat builder and author, David had a unique quiver of qualifications. His heart and soul belonged to Africa, the place he never wanted to leave and the place he called home. In 2015, David travelled his last safari, accompanied by his family and hundreds of African and European friends.