Magic Tales: Imo and the King
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Davidson and Associates

Age Group: Age 2 to 5, Age 4 to 8 Type: Language Arts Price: 44.95

PC version requires:
486-33, 4M RAM, x2 CD-ROM

Mac version requires:
Version is available.

Description:

Imo and the King is one of Davidson's Magic Tales. Grandpa Mouse tells the story of Imo and the King, an adaptation of the traditional East African folk tale, "The Three Tests."

The Story

This story is about Imo's quest to become a prince by passing three tests. In his travels, Imo meets and helps several creatures who teach him their song and offer to help if he ever needs it.

When Imo arrives at the palace, his challenges begin. First, he must change a pile of seeds into stones. Next, he sets to the task of chopping down a tree with one blow. Finally, Imo must select the king's daughter from a group of girls. Each of these tasks is accomplished with the help of his friends. Successful, Imo is crowned prince and later marries the king's daughter.

There are hundreds of clickables throughout this story, fun animated characters and 15 original songs! Check them all, even the rocks.

This is definitely a male-oriented story. No women appear in Imo's village. The only "token" female is a princess who is most often referred to as "the King's daughter."

It's wonderful to see a storybook come to life with positive male images. It's also WAY past time that companies such as Davidson produce stories for all children. HOW can any story truly be multicultural while excluding an essential portion of that culture?

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