SELFISH SUN BY CHARITY MODISE

GENRE: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE TITLE: SELFISH SUN WRITER: CHARITY MODISE, BOTSWANA REVIEWER: HALIEO MOTANYANE, LESOTHO
 
It is always very interesting to read stories that make a character out of nature or/and certain behaviour of non-living things. It helps children to think logically and relate creatively to their surroundings. Charity Modise’s “Selfish Sun” story is a perfect fictional lesson about the sun. The story is about a selfish sun who wants power even though he does not have good intentions for being the king. Selfish Sun teaches children a handful of lessons about life. It is quite clear that Modise took her time writing the story.
In the story, we see complete fairness between the animals when they choose their kings. First was an elephant and next was a tortoise, which shows that the choice of kingship did not necessarily favour certain animals. However, The Sun felt that he should be the king as he was helping the animals. He felt that they owed it to him to be their king. And even after getting his wish, he misused his power to rule. This just shows a disadvantage of power.

With all this being said, I hope we can see that power is not just a bad thing, it is how it is being used that detects badness or goodness. Like the selfish sun, if we use power badly, we will reap bitter fruits. But if we become like the Tortoise and the Elephant, then our goodness will be extended to all that is around us.