Synopses & Reviews
How was the earth formed, and where did animals come from? Why does the hippopotamus live in water, and why do cats chase rats? Imaginative answers to these and other age-old questions can be found among the rich oral traditions of Africa. Generations of listeners have delighted in these fanciful explanations of the natural, moral, and spiritual worlds, which unfold amid a realm of talking animals, magic drums, tricksters, and fairies.
Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter Godwin Woodson was among the first scholars to promote the history and achievements of African-Americans. His compilation of fables about a jealous blind man, a disobedient daughter, a rivalry among brothers, and other timeless predicaments is punctuated with thought-provoking proverbs and gentle humor. Told in simple language, these tales will enchant readers and listeners of all ages. Over sixty evocative illustrations appear throughout the book.
Synopsis
Compiled by the "Father of Black History," these fables unfold amid a magical realm of tricksters and fairies. Recounted in simple language, they will enchant readers and listeners of all ages. Over 60 illustrations.
Synopsis
Compiled by the "Father of Black History," these fables unfold amid a magical realm of tricksters and fairies. Recounted in simple language, they will enchant readers and listeners of all ages. Over 60 illustrations.
About the Author
Known as the Father of Black History, Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was a professor at Howard University and a founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History as well as editor of the Journal of Negro History.
Table of Contents
PrefaceCreationWhy the Sun Shines by Day and the Moon by NightHow Animals Came into the WorldThe Beginning of DeathWhy Children Belong to the MotherThe Ingratethe Jealousy of the Blind ManThe Race for a WifeThe Deer and the SnailOhia and his SorrowsWhy Some Women Never Eat MuttonThe Fairy WifeThe Disobedient Daughter's Marriage Kindness MisunderstoodThe Dog and the LeopardHow the Dog Became the Friend of ManThe Cats and FowlsWhy Chickens Live with manWhy the Hawk Catches ChickensThe Fox and the GoatWhy Goats Live with ManThe Lion, the Leopard, and the DogThe Leopard, the Tortoise, and the Bush RatThe Lioness and the CowWhy the Hippopotamus Lives in the WaterWhy the Bush Fowl Calls up the DawnWhy the Cat Catches RatsThe Crocodile's RelativesThe Reward for HonestyThe Squirrel and the SpiderThe Toad and the Kitethe Antelope and the JackalThe Leopard and the HareThe Rabbit and the AntelopeBeware of Bad CompanyThe Partnership of the Elephant and the RabbitThree Rival BrothersThe Legend of Ngurangurane