Book Review – Tales From Africa

Tales From Africa by K.P. Kojo (Puffin Classics) ISBN: 9780141373072

Tales From Africa is a collection of folk tales from different African countries by Ghanaian author, K.P. Kojo. It is perfect for children who love talking animals and rhymes.

Kojo relates the tales in a simple and understandable way. Kojo narrates how a tortoise named Ununile always wished he could fly. One day he tricks different kinds of birds into giving him a feather each because he wanted to attend a bird feast in the clouds. He gets the feathers and sticks them on himself to fly. This does not end well because he falls with a crush on the ground. This explains why tortoises have patch-like shells.

In another story, we meet Lion and Jackal as hunting friends. Lion is so unfair and greedy that he does not share what they get equally. This angers Jackal who then decides to take revenge. Lion is taught the lesson of his life by Jackal and his family.

I liked the fact that there are some educative facts, a glossary and some activities for fun at the end of the book.

Sinobukhosi Mpofu
3/5