The Orphan Boy

Joan Buchanan is a writer, storyteller and instructor, and author of
Taking Care of My Cold.

Morin’s superb illustrations for this Masai myth won a 1990 Governor
General’s Award.

This rich and finely told story explains why the Masai call the planet
Venus “Kiliken,” or orphan boy. A childless old man takes in a young
boy as his companion. This adopted son performs the hardest chores in
surprisingly little time. The old man prospers as his herd multiplies,
and although he is baffled by Kiliken’s powers, he asks no questions.
When drought comes and his cattle still thrive, the old man cannot
contain his curiosity, despite the boy’s insistence that his power be
a secret.

A good folk tale engages our senses and also tells us much about human
nature. This one succeeds on all levels. The language is poetic and
economical, but resonant with different levels of meaning.

Morin’s search for artistic depth and accuracy took him to Africa,
where he stayed for a time among the Masai people, absorbing their
customs, setting, and characters. The powerful detail and atmosphere of
the pictures reflect his understanding of the land and the people’s
way of life.

The Orphan Boy is an outstanding match of story and pictures, a book
which will appeal to all ages for a long time.