The Old Fisherman of Lamu

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Mzee is an old fisherman who lives in an isolated African costal
village. Every morning, Mzee sails his ancient homemade boat out into
the Indian ocean to catch fish. He is accompanied by Toto, a young
friend and apprentice. On each trip, Mzee catches just enough fish to
make his living; then he sleeps or plays games with his young friend.
Although most of the village people think Mzee is a lazy old man, Toto
has discovered that his mentor has achieved perfect balance in his life
and with his environment.

One day a stranger named Mzungu arrives in town. He wants the
townspeople to shed their old-fashioned ways and learn modern ones. When
Mzungu sees Mzee sleeping under a mango tree, Mzungu ridicules him in
front of the townspeople, telling him that by using a modern boat, Mzee
will catch many more fish. Mzungu slowly builds a fabulous picture of
progress in the townspeople’s minds. Suddenly Mzee, without even
getting up, points out the folly of Mzungu’s words, and the stranger
is left looking like a fool.

This charming story about true wisdom has a clear message for
Canadians, who are currently reaping the disastrous effects of
overfishing. The black-and-white illustrations lend a surrealistic tone
to the folktale. Recommended.