14 Cows for America written by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Thomas GonzalezBack-of-the-book blurb: In June of 2002, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya. An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed on the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unsought and unexpected as it is extraordinary.
A mere nine months have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely from American and Maasai as these legendary warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away.Word of the gift will travel news wires around the globe.
Many will be profoundly touched, but for Americans, this selfless gesture will have deeper meaning still. For a heartsick nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope and friendship.
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: I first heard the story of 14 Cows for America when the book was published in the late summer of 2009; because of its connection to, indeed, its inspiration from the events of September 11, I read many very positive reviews around that time. Why, then, did it take me several more months to pick up a copy?! It’s been another month since I bought it, and I can finally read through it without crying or choking up (and that’s a feat!).
This is a wonderful book, based on a true story, and carrying a vivid message about compassion, empathy, and understanding. Deedy sets the story wholly in Kameli Naiyomah’s village in western Kenya. He has returned for a visit to his home after studying medicine in America; his western-style running shoes and Stanford sweatshirt contrast the traditions he encounters – a warrior’s blessing bestowed upon a young child, a visit with the Maasai tribal elders.
Deedy explains that the Maasai are nomadic cattle herders who honor those they tend:
… Without the herd, the tribe might starve. To the Maasai, the cow is life.
After Kameli has changed into traditional clothing, the tribe gathers around him to hear the story he has brought from America. Kameli tells of that day in September 2001; he was in the city and witnessed the devastation, the fires, the smoke and debris, the loss. He finishes the story and waits for a response, “he knows his people”:
They are fierce when provoked, but easily moved to kindness when they hear of suffering or injustice.
Kimeli combines the customary respect for the cow with his wish to offer something to America, and asks the elders to allow him to give his cow, with their blessing. The blessing is given readily, along with thirteen other cows, a beautiful gift representing life, healing, and love (this is where I usually tear up):
Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort.
A note from Kimeli Naiyomah in the back of the book explains that these sacred cows will be tended to in perpetuity, and can never be slaughtered. At the time of publication, the herd had grown to over 35 cows … a gift for America.
A companion website to 14 Cows for America supplements the book, with information about the Maasai people, a pronunciation guide, and teacher’s resources.
This book trailer, created before the book’s release, will give you an idea of the bold illustrations of Thomas Gonzalez, rich with blues, browns, reds and oranges. Despite the emphasis on numbers in the trailer, this is not at all a counting book … unless the message is that human decency is what “counts:”
14 Cows for America is a beautifully illustrated book. It’s not just for children, however; it is an excellent way to introduce any discussion of compassion in a family, school, or church setting. The focus is on the response of the Maasai, not on the events of September 11.
FTC disclosure: I purchased this book at an independent bookstore.
I’ve been meaning to read this since it was released. Our library doesn’t have a copy in its inventory, so I might just have to break down and buy it!
Looks amazing! I’m sure I would appreciate it more than my kiddos! Make sure to link to Kid Konnection this week (please…)
I wondered, when this came out, if it were really good or if it were just popular because of the 9/11 connection. Now I think I’ll be able to pick it up.
This book looks so good. The illustrations are just amazing!
This book was really amazing to work on from the beginning. It took Carmen several years to get the story right. It was important to have a sparse and poetic text. Tom’s illustrations really helped to bring everything to life. The originals are huge an amazing to see. Once Kimeli joined the project, he helped give an authenticity that the book would have been lacking otherwise. He made sure that the tribal dress was correct, how people greeted and stood was accurate and that the Maa words were spelled and used correctly. The book is more about community and selflessness than 9/11, I think. I am so glad that you enjoyed it and had such a thoughtful review!
What a touching and inspiring book this must be! I am so glad to finally hear about it and am thinking that this might make a wonderful addition for my daughter’s library. I am so glad that you loved it and gave it such a great review. Thank you!
How amazing and touching … and how unworthy I feel our country can be of such a gesture sometimes. I love that quote.
I won this is a giveaway and it is very nice! I love the illustrations.
This is an incredible story – I got teary reading what they said. People are amazing.
Jenn – I am so glad I picked it up (I was at a bookstore event with Boston Bibliophile in December
)
Julie – I’ll link up; thanks for the reminder about your children’s book round-up
Lisa – I sent you an email about this — the focus is definitely on the incredible generous and spontaneous response of the Maasai. Mention is made of skyscrapers, fire, smoke and 3000 lives lost, but no mention of the words “terrorism” or “airplanes.” You can read about the idea of Ubuntu (compassion) at the 14cowsForAmerica.com
website
Kathy – yes, I want to look at other books illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. Both he and Deedy were born in Cuba, isn’t that interesting?!
Erin – thanks for your comments and the additional info about the genesis of this fantastic book.
zibilee – I hope you do check it out.
Jenners – I’m with you 100%
Rebecca – what a fortunate win for you. I love how the illustrations convey the traditions of the Maasai – dress, the land, homes, traditions, etc.
Jenny – it’s very humbling, yes.
I read this book for the first time the other day and just cried when I reached the end. What a lovely book!
I just found this book on my holds list on the library online catalog, frozen. Apparently I forgot to unfreeze it after coming home from vacation in the fall? Can’t wait to read it!
What an amazing story. I am really happy. Keep writing amigo