In the spirit of Mother Goose, <I>Off to the Sweet Shores of Africa and Other Talking Drum Rhymes</I> is a colorful collection of original, African inspired rhymes. Fun to read aloud, these playful rhymes conjure West African village life. As in classic nursery rhymes, the verses are inhabited by charming characters who impart simple wisdom or evoke pure silliness, making this collection not only distinctively African, but wonderfully universal. Exquisitely detailed illustrations by Julia Cairns, an engaging author's note and glossary make this an enchanting collection from Africa's sweet shores to ours.