The Great Tug of War: And Other Stories

When Mmutla the hare tricks Tlou the elephant and Kubu the hippo into having an epic tug-of-war, the whole grassland is soon laughing at their foolishness. But big animals don’t like to be laughed at — especially by little animals. Soon King Lion, Tswhene the baboon, and the wise old tortoise Khudu set out to teach Mmutla a lesson. The hare is clever, but can he hop away from the comeuppance Tswhene has planned for him? Or is he too smart for his own good? Set against the vivid backdrop of the African savanna, these witty retellings by acclaimed children’s author Beverley Naidoo delight young readers while offering parents a fascinating glimpse into the origins of an American classic. Piet Grobler’s quirky, appealing illustrations underscore the narrative's wit and charm.

Beverley Naidoo was born in South Africa, grew up under apartheid and was arrested for taking part in the resistance movement. In 1965 she came to England. Her first book, Journey to Jo'burg, won The Other Award in Britain. For her book Chain of Fire she had to rely on reports and photos smuggled out of South Africa. The Other Side of Truth won her the Carnegie Medal. She lives in Bournemouth.

Piet Grobler grew up on a farm in Limpopo, South Africa. After working as a church minister, he made a career in illustration and now lectures at the University of Worcester. He is the recipient of many international illustration awards, including the IBBY Honours List. His books for Frances Lincoln include The Great Tug of War and Aesop's Fables with Beverley Naidoo, and Fussy Freya with Katharine Quarmby. He lives with his wife and daughter in Great Malvern.