Yoyo has listened to Mama CŽcileÕs song about how to make ndolŽ (bitterleaf stew) her entire lifeÑlong enough to know how to make it herself, now that she is finally old enough. But slicing the bitterleaf, grinding the pumpkin, measuring out the shrimpÑit just takes too long. Yoyo is confident that her variation on the stew will be good enough.

As Mama CŽcile and Yoyo set off to market, Mama reminds Yoyo what will happen if she refuses a fair price for the stewÑBrother Coin, the Great Spirit of the Market, will put a curse on their market bowl. When Yoyo refuses to heed MamaÕs advice, she is faced with the task of trying to regain a blessing from the god himself.

An original folktale set in modern-day Cameroon, THE MARKET BOWL teaches readers a lesson about patience, humility, and the value of a fair price. Back matter includes further information about Cameroon and its people and traditions as well as a recipe for ndolŽÑCameroonÕs national food dish.