Giving in Uganda we have all seen the majestic crested crane - it is after all Uganda’s national emblem and can be seen in the centre of national flag. But have you ever wondered why it wears a unique crown that brings dignity to its bearing? In her new book “How the Crane Got Its Crown”, Olivia Nakiingi Infield tells the story of how the king of all the animals, the lion, bestowed this honour upon the crane. When the rivers and the great lake have dried out during a drought, Lion sends first Cheetah and then Elephant off to find water to save all the creatures that inhabit the plains. They both return empty handed.

Finally he calls upon Crane. “Crane, you are our last hope. You must bring water for us, for if you fail we will surely die.” “Yes King,” answered Crane. Rallying to his call, thousands of cranes flew off to the Rwenzori Mountains, flapped their wings and drove rain clouds to the plains. With their long slender beaks they pecked at the heavy clouds until rain began to fall.

“The great lake was filled once again with sparkling blue water.” Crane had saved the day and was rewarded with a crown by Lion. Olivia is a student of ISU and the book was originally written as a Grade 7 class project when Olivia was only 13 years old. This original folk story is written in the true tradition of Ugandan story telling. The book is beautifully illustrated with a facsimile of a collage. ‘How the Crane Got Its Crown’, has become a bestselling book in Uganda and is available in all leading Kampala book shops and also at Banana Boat in Kampala. This book makes a perfect gift for any young child or a memento for anyone who has visited or spent time in Uganda.

‘How the Crane Got Its Crown’ was written and illustrated by Olivia Nakiingi Infield and published by Fountain Publishers, Kampala, 2010.