Roots and Legends
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Average rating4
Pass down the powerful teachings of African and African American oral traditions with these 50 beautifully illustrated cultural folktales.
In this captivating collection of folklore from the African diaspora, discover the stories that have been passed down through generations and continue to teach valuable lessons today through their vibrant, illustrative language. Through its 50 folktales, Roots & Legends celebrates the richness of the African and African American cultures and champions the importance of oral tradition, a practice that rose up through the dark times of slavery and oppression.
Thoughtfully curated and richly illustrated, Roots & Legends features the wonder and educational lessons of cultural stories and figures such as:
The Flying Africans
Sukey and the Mermaid
The Legend of Big Momma
How the Leopard Got Its Spots
Coyote Steals the Sun
The Haunting of Sweet Hollow
Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock
And more!
Divided into seven sections covering the spiritual nature of animals, people, the land and its sometimes spooky inhabitants, and more, each page is filled with timeless tales of heroes, tricksters, and everyday wisdom, and invites you to immerse yourself in the depth and beauty of African and African American folklore.
A perfect choice for families interested in passing down African and African American heritage through storytelling traditions, Roots & Legends will enchant readers of all ages through its beautifully illustrated and accessible collection of folklore.
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Book Review: Roots and Legends: Folktales from African Culture 📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up Roots and Legends: Folktales from African Culture edited by the folks at Wellfleet Press, and I have to say, it was quite the enlightening experience! As someone who was relatively unfamiliar with African folklore, this book opened up a whole new world of storytelling that I never knew existed. 🌍✨
This beautifully illustrated collection features over 50 folktales that have been passed down through generations, showcasing the richness of African culture and the power of oral tradition. The stories cover a range of themes—from whimsical tales explaining why spiders seem to settle in the corners of ceilings, to profound lessons about the relationships between the sun, moon, and earth. The book is thoughtfully divided into four sections, each highlighting different aspects of life and wisdom through engaging narratives. 📚🎨
One of the things that struck me most about Roots and Legends is how accessible it is. Each story is captivating enough to pull you in while also teaching valuable lessons about morality, nature, and community. I found myself completely absorbed in tales like "How the Tortoise Got Its Shell" and "Brer Rabbit and the Gold Mine." The storytelling truly showcases the art of oral tradition—these aren't just stories; they are vessels of history and culture. 🐢🌟
And let me not forget to mention the illustrations! They’re absolutely stunning and complement the tales perfectly. They burst with color and creativity, making the reading experience even more delightful. The book feels like a treasure trove that would make for a wonderful addition to any family’s collection, especially for those looking to pass down African heritage through storytelling. 🎨💖
Overall, I found Roots and Legends to be a fantastic introduction to African folklore. It's simple to pick up and put down, making it ideal for leisurely reading or sharing tales with family and friends. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone curious about cultural myths or looking to broaden their understanding of global storytelling traditions. I'd give it a solid four stars for its engaging content and gorgeous presentation. If you're looking for a way to enrich your library with diverse narratives, this is a must-have! 📖🌈
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
