Long before people could turn to books for instruction and amusement, they relied upon storytellers for answers to their questions about life. Africa boasts a particularly rich oral tradition, in which the griot — village historian — preserved and passed along cultural beliefs and experiences from one generation to the next. This collection of 30 timeless fables comes from the storytellers of Nigeria, whose memorable narratives tell of promises kept and broken, virtue rewarded, and treachery punished. Ajapa the Tortoise — a trickster, or animal with human qualities — makes frequent appearances among the colorful cast of talking animals. In "Tortoise Goes Wooing," he learns a valuable lesson in friendship and sharing. Ajapa's further adventures describe how, among other things, he became a chief, acquired all of the world's wisdom, saved the king, tricked the lion, and came to be bald. Recounted in simple but evocative language, these ancient tales continue to enchant readers and listeners of all ages.

This book contains sixty-five old-time bedtime stories! Two opposite faces of Tortoise’s character are revealed here: the good and the bad. Tortoise, once loved and respected for his kindness, hard work, persistence, patience, wisdom, and super intelligence to dig out and solve the toughest puzzles or the most difficult and mysterious problems, is the same Tortoise who lost all that to lying, tricking, selfishness, revengefulness, greed, stealing, jealousy, and exploiting others’ weaknesses under the pretense of helping when he is actually out to hurt those he claims to help so as to achieve his goals. Parents, teachers, or others who use these stories for moral and life skills education should emphasize genuine moral values or virtues and also point out that how one gets to one’s goal should be as morally sound as the goal itself. So their discretion is crucial when addressing moral relativism, if any is obvious.

A rain forest fable from Caldecott medalist Gerald McDermott

A cute story of a Tortoise who hates being slow, and wishes to be the fastest animal in the world. Join in his excitement when this wish is granted and find out how his new speed leads to discovering more about himself. The first of the Tortoise adventure thriller for kids. Children enjoy reading folktales from around the world and listening to this story with its brilliant illustrations. They just want to find out what happened in the end. The conclusion also makes it an amazing bedtime story.This is an Elementary school reading and middle school reading for parents and teachers who would want to enforce self- love into their children's lives through an amazing story.

Whose your best friend? The one who enjoys being with you and allows you to be yourself or the person you wish was your best friend? A lot of children struggle with finding and keeping friends.Tortoise has two birds and a butterfly in his life. Which one will he choose to be his best friend and why? You are invited to join him in a delightful adventure to find a best friend. This is a beautiful story to help kids understand healthy friendships. Teachers and parents are loving the Tortoise series. Another amazing story.Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Values Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Friendship, Social Skills & School Life > Self-Esteem & Self-RespectBooks > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > CollectionsBooks > Children's Books > Animals > TurtlesPlease help other parents and teachers find this book by leaving an honest review of this book and its illustrations.

A moving tale of a Tortoise whose dream was to fly."How is that possible, Your shell is made of rock," said his friend.Some laughed, some cheered, but he made his dreams come true.Pick up this book and share in a story that inspires every reader to find ways of making dreams come true. This Tortoise was able to fly. Find out how he did it and share in the joy of overcoming obstacles. The Tortoise adventure series is an amazing collection of stories of animals inspiring hope, friendship, love, and positive behavior. Teachers and children are having a good time with this series. "This book is perfect for the family library or classroom shelves. It teaches important lessons while telling a story about Tortoise, it engages children throughout. The illustrations are bright and vivid." Maria Dismondy. Children's Book Author.

Read Along or Enhanced eBook: Turtle loves to dance and play the flute. But her exuberance puts her at risk when her music attracts the attention of a brave hunter who brings her home to make turtle stew. After she is caught, her only hope for escape is the hunter's children ... and her own wit. This folktale, first told by the indigenous people of Brazil, is now told throughout Latin America. Like the people of Latin America, Turtle always seems to survive any challenge by using her courage and wit. Beautiful watercolors radiant with the dense foliage and hardy wildlife of the Amazon rain forest, guides the reader through this timeless adventure story.