Legendary Origin of Ancient Egypt is Focus of New Children’s Book

March 9, 2009 - PRLog -- New York, NY  —The origins of Ancient Egypt are explored and recreated in the tale of a people who travel from Moon Mountain and into the future Egypt in PapaGino’s newly published children’s book “The Legend of Moon Mountain: Ruwenzori—A Fable for Every Age” (ISBN 9781434341570, AuthorHouse, 2008).

One sunny day, Shani, a young village woman, approaches her Chief to ask if there is a reason why it is forbidden to travel beyond all villages to the Place of the Setting Sun, the reputed land of the ancestors. When the Chief cannot give a good reason not to make such a pilgrimage, Shani and her companions build a boat for the journey.

When Shani and her party set sail, they have no knowledge of the Nile Valley. In fact they have no knowledge of any geography beyond their mountain lakes. Several generations will pass before their descendants, traveling many lakes and rivers, and experiencing a journey of knowledge and wisdom along the way, will travel north into the Nile Valley. They will also undergo a journey of understanding and faith as they learn their ancestors are not only always spiritually, but also physically within them.

“The Legend of Moon Mountain” is a fable based on the Ancient Egyptians' tradition that their ancestors came from Ruwenzori (Moon Mountain) in East Africa. Because the oral history does not give a specific motive for the ancestors’ journey to the Nile Valley, author PapaGino recreated how the story might have happened. Shani and her companions, rather than finding their ancestors beyond the mountains, become the ancestors of the people who settle the Nile Valley and create the Ancient Egyptian civilization.

PapaGino has written a book directed at 8-12 year olds, but it will enrich anyone interested in African history, culture and legends. PapaGino recently stated that he wishes to raise awareness of African history for future generations: “Too many people in our society are not aware that Egypt is an African country. More importantly it is useful that young people gain knowledge of history in general. You can imagine how helpful it is for the many American children of color—most of the young population—to know of Egyptian traditions.” “The Legend of Moon Mountain” is the first of several books PapaGino intends to write to pass African culture and history on to succeeding generations.

About the Author
PapaGino caught the writing bug at age nine when his Sunday school teacher, Lucille, gave him a copy of “Moby Dick.” Most of Melville’s novel was beyond his grasp, but he wrapped his mind around enough of it to be hooked on the notion of becoming a writer. His literary ambitions were interrupted by several years singing DooWop bass, then Blues and Spirituals with the original Alvin Ailey Dance Company. After singing African chants with Olatunji, PapaGino turned to acting. On stage he played Sgt. Tower in David Rabe's “The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel.” He had movie roles including the character 'Mel' in Elaine May's cult favorite, “Mikey and Nicky.” On television his roles included, William Lee, George Washington's factotum in “Martha Washington's Diary.” During this time he continued to write. His first book, “Songs of the Zodiac: In Doo-Wop America,” was published in 2006. His second book, “The Legend of Moon Mountain” is the first of many planned to educate children about African history.

“The Legend of Moon Mountain: Ruwenzori—A Fable for Every Age” (ISBN 9781434341570, AuthorHouse, 2008) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.papagino.info. Publicity contact: www.ReaderViews.com. Review copies available upon request.

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