Томек на Черном континенте (илл. В. Канивца)

Young Tomek Wilmowski goes to Africa to catch wild animals. His last trip was less than a year ago. His father, Andrzej, goes with him, as does Jan Smuga. Smuga catches wild animals. Boatswain Tadeusz Nowicki joins them too. Tomek also brings his dog, Dingo.

The Hagenbeck firm catches wild animals for zoos. It asks the group to catch gorillas and okapis. In the story, doubts remain that the okapi exists. They visit lands where elephants and Pygmy peoples live. Some local groups try to keep the strangers out. Snakes with venom, lions, and crocodiles pose more risks in the jungle. Yet Tomek's urge to seek adventure makes him face these threats.

Polish author Alfred Szklarski wrote this adventure novel for young readers. It is the second book about Tomek. His tales have reached young readers across several generations. This edition checks the translation afresh. It adds notes on science and nature. It also has art by Vladimir Kanivets.