The story:
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, two fanciful tribes -- the Funga and the Alafia -- lived beside the banks of a long and lazy laughing river. Although each tribe's people were handsome and skilled, they were very different, and they did not get along. As time passed, the Funga grew increasingly annoyed by their Alafia neighbors' loud singing and decided to attack and "teach them a lesson." To reach the Alafia Village, however, the Funga had to cross The Laughing River, and what transpired there resulted in fun for all. It's a story that fills hearts and minds with laughter and peace.
Accurate musical notes, which create an unforgettable song by story's end, accompany each page of art and text. The book also includes dancing, singing, and drumming instructions. Orff approach.
"Music teachers with experience in Orff music will delight in this book and cassette tape of a modern folk tale for peace with roots in West African history . . . includes good factual background information on Orff music and instruments, on African culture, and a lesson on conflict resolution." --School Library Journal
"A valuable teaching resource on several levels: cultural awareness, rhythm and melody, and folklore." --Ian Thorpe, Instructor, Christchurch
School of Music, New Zealand.
"A gift to the children of all nations, The Laughing River is a delightful story that will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart . . . uplifts the human spirit and spreads the simple yet important message of peace."
--O. Ekemodé, World Beat for World Peace, Nigeria
"The overall effect of the story, music and art takes you effortlessly into a holistic experience of another culture and stimulates the mind and body." --Mary M. Michaelis, Teacher,
Sacramento, California
Elizabeth Haze Vega holds several academic degrees, including a masters degree in education, a multiple subject teaching credential, and three level certificates in Orff instruction. While in her teens she performed vocally in international competitions in 13 countries. While studying in Vienna, she became a devotee of the Carl Orff approach to teaching music.
Ashley Smith is a popular artist in New Zealand. He has traveled and worked throughout the world as painter, illustrator, designer, fabric artist, and researcher of art history.
