A Swahili girl is abducted by a Zimwi and told to be the voice inside his singing drum

This a story about a young girl named Bimwili who gets lost and captured by an evil Zimwi.

An inquisitive young girl named Bimwili finds herself imprisoned in a "singing drum" by the troll-like Zimwi in this retelling of a folktale from Zanzibar. Eventually escaping through the power of her song, which she uses to communicate her plight, Bimwili is reunited with her family, and the Zimwi returns to his seaside haunts...

Verna Aardema is known for her wonderful folktale adaptations, and Bimwili and the Zimwi is no exception. Engaging and fun to read, it includes a short glossary of Swahili words, and offers a brief note on the title page concerning its source material. Susan Meddaugh, whose series of picture books about the lovable mutt Martha are so popular, here offers soft, appealing illustrations that are the perfect complement to the story. ( )

This is a freaky story about a little girl who gets separated from her sisters during a walk. In the style of "Little Red Riding Hood" a super creepy creature (The Zimwi) gradually draws her closer to him, then captures her. Scary! The theme of listening to parents' warnings is central. An extra star for building tension.

this is pretty much the best bedtime story ever ( )