The Gabi that Girma wore
The Gabi that Girma wore
Picture Book / Ethiopia / Ages 4-8
Little, Brown and Company
2024
Unpaged
Text in English with some Amharic words. Follows how a Gabi is made in Ethiopia from seed to harvest, to weaving to shop, to gift for Girma.
This enchanting picture book delves into the cultural and practical significance of the “Gabi,” a traditional Ethiopian garment, showcasing its role in everyday life and culture. Illustrated by Netsanet Tesfay, the book vibrantly captures Ethiopian culture, blending traditional elements with a modern flair. The illustrations perfectly complement the story’s themes and characters.
The journey of the “Gabi” from cotton seed to garment is beautifully depicted, with Tesfay’s illustrations seamlessly narrating alongside the text. Traditional tools are ingeniously incorporated as decorative elements, with the “Enzirt” drop spindle cleverly woven into the book’s inside cover design, enhancing the visual storytelling. Earthy tones are prevalent throughout, evoking the agricultural and cultural roots of the narrative, harmonizing with the story’s journey from cotton farming to “Gabi” creation.
The language employed in The Gabi that Girma Wore is straightforward, suitable for audiences of all ages. The book introduces readers to Ethiopian culture, focusing on the traditional crafting and use of the Gabi, as well as the significance the “Gabi” holds beyond a garment, symbolizing respect for elders and manifesting their status within the community. Rhyming sentences enrich the reading experience, making it particularly engaging for read-aloud sessions. The language strikes a balance between being entertaining and informative, effectively introducing cultural insights.
Highly recommended
Aleme Tadesse M.A.
Bet’eseb African Heritage Art Center
Published in Africa Access Review (November 1, 2024)
Copyright 2024 Africa Access
-Students learned the name of the gabi cloth and how it is made.
-They liked that you can use the gabi like a blanket, that they showed how to make a gabi, and that the book had rhymes.
– They enjoyed that you can use a gabi for many different things like going to church, traveling, or going to a celebration.
Elementary Teacher, Washington, DC
-We learned about the gabi, a traditional Ethiopian garment. We also learned how the gabi is made, from growing the cotton to having the finished garment at a store.
-The most important thing we learned: Seeing the entire process of making clothing, and how important each step is, and each person is, along the way. That really gave the children something to think about when it comes to their own clothing and things they enjoy.
-I also enjoyed the pronunciation and definition guide at the end of the book. That way I could do my best at pronouncing Amharic words.
-The children enjoyed seeing the different ways a gabi is used in Ethiopia: at gatherings, coffee ceremonies, religious events, and even just hanging with the family under the gabi.
Aquinas Montessori School, Virginia