Roots and Legends: Folktales from African Culture

by Editors of Wellfleet Press

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

The Flying AfricansSukey and the MermaidThe Legend of Big MommaHow the Leopard Got Its SpotsCoyote Steals the SunThe Haunting of Sweet HollowAnansi and the Moss-Covered RockAnd 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.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

This was a fantastic collection of African folk tales and mythology that I think will appeal to anyone who is keen to learn more about origin stories and cultural myths. This is a book that is easy to dip in and out of and demonstrates the power of oral storytelling.

This is one that I want to get a physical copy of as the stories are wonderful and the accompanying illustrations are also beautiful. A fantastic collection that is such a wonderful balance of art of storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press | Wellfleet Press
for a digital review copy of "Roots and Legends: Folktales from African Culture" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful anthology of African folklore. I was new to the subject matter, but I found it easy to follow and would definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in different cultures and the mythology that shapes those cultures. The illustrations were beautiful as well. Well done!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An informative, educational, inspired resource

My Review: Roots and Legends: Folktales from African Culture by Editors of Wellfleet Press is a brilliant collection of folktales and lore related African and African American history. It is scheduled to be released in January 2025.

About the Book: "In this captivating collection of folklore from African culture, discover the stories that have been passed down through generations and continue to teach valuable lessons today through their vibrant, illustrative language. With over 50 folktales, Roots and Legends celebrates the richness of African customs and life, and champions the importance of oral tradition..."

In My Own Words: This work is an awe-inspiring collection of stories and pictures rooted in the African experience. It is a treasure trove of culturally rich tales that serves as a testament to the power and beauty of oral storytelling. Filled with educational highlights, thought provoking content, grayscale illustrations, and mixed media art, it is a gem that shines brightly.

My Final Say: This book should be in every library and home. It is not just for one people; it is for all people. It is its own curriculum. As soon as I started reading, I was captivated. When I saw the collage art, I was ensnared by the magnificence. I immediately wanted to get my hands on a physical copy. I even thought that I could easily design a class around it for my students...of any age. Not only is this book a study in folktales, it is also a study in art. I cannot recommend it enough.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: G
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Besties-of-All-Time: Yes

Special Notations:
Special Note 1: This would be superb as an audiobook. I would love to hear these stories.
Special Note 2: This would be an enriching listening experience for any family read aloud time.
Special Note 3: This would be a fantastic book club read for elementary, middle, high school, and post high school students.
Special Note 4: Any contemporary griot could take these treasured stories and perform them in grand ways.
Special Note 5: I would go so far as to say that the material in this book would be ideal as a series of video-based lessons on African/African-American folktales. (Think PBS, Prime, Netflix, etc.)

Question: Are there any plans for additional volumes to be released? This should be a series.

A most sincere expression of gratitude is extended to the Editors of Wellfleet Press, to Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press, and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this wondrous work in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review this book. It was an entire experience that spoke on so many levels. I appreciate the opportunity and will do all I can to make others aware of this divine resource.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

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⚠️

[Haerlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pass down the powerful teachings of African oral tradition by adding this luxe illustrated volume of over 50 cultural folktales to your home library.

In this captivating collection of folklore from African culture, discover the stories that have been passed down through generations and continue to teach valuable lessons today through their vibrant, illustrative language. With over 50 folktales, Roots and Legends celebrates the richness of African customs and life, 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 and Legends features the wonder and educational lessons of cultural stories and figures such as:

Why Spiders Are Always Found in the Corners of Ceilings
How the Tortoise Got Its Shell
Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky
How Mr. Lion Lost His Wool
Brother Bear’s Big House
Brer Rabbit and the Gold Mine
Morning Sunrise
Diddy-Wah-Diddy
Uncle Monday
A Ghost Story About an Aunt
Farmer Mybrow and the Fairies
And more!

Divided into four sections (Why Things Are the Way They Are; Morals Taught through Animals Tales; Bearing Witness; and People with Unusual Powers) 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 folklore.

Featuring historic stories with a modern editorial review, this deluxe collectible edition includes original illustrations and an embellished, giftable package. A perfect choice for families interested in passing down African heritage through storytelling traditions, Roots and Legends will enchant readers of all ages through its beautifully illustrated and accessible collection of folklore.

My Take:
This is a fine entry into the African folklore canon, but it should be known that there is a conflation of African and African American folklore. I would not use it as a scholarly text, but for enjoyment purposes only.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roots and Legends: Folktales from African Culture is a vibrant, enchanting blend of African and African American folklore that will captivate readers of all ages. As someone who grew up with Anansi’s clever escapades and the mischievous tales of Brer Rabbit, I was delighted to discover even more of the rich oral traditions that this collection offers.

Each story begins with a thoughtful introduction, offering valuable cultural and historical context that enhances the reading experience. These introductions provide a bridge to understanding the roots of these timeless tales, allowing readers to fully appreciate the depth and significance of the stories. The stunning illustrations are a feast for the eyes, perfectly complementing the magical, often profound narratives within.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the entire collection, I found myself particularly drawn to the stories from the African continent. They carried a sense of authenticity and richness that felt especially compelling. I did wish for more stories from across Africa, as this would have highlighted the continent's diverse cultures and traditions even further. That said, the selection likely reflects the availability of stories in the public domain, and it still serves as a beautiful introduction to these enduring narratives.

This book is a treasure, deserving a place on shelves alongside classics like Aesop’s Fables and Arabian Nights. It’s a celebration of storytelling that will inspire and entertain anyone who picks it up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wellfleet Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Roots and Legends features a collection of African folktales passed down orally over generations.

This was an interesting read. I especially enjoyed learning more about the culture behind what we were reading with the introduction and commentary on the tales. I wish we could have gotten more of that. The collage style illustrations and silhouettes made a fun addition.

One of the more unique aspects is how there is a section of Brer Rabbit (Brother Rabbit) tales shared in original old Black vernacular. This poses a challenge at times, and while I would have liked some translation notes, it also contributes to the authenticity and feel of them.

Overall this is namely a collection of bedtime stories (with occassional content warnings) and is therefore most suited to children and adults looking for short stories rooted in African culture. Most of the stories don't follow a standard story structure, but clearly feel like they were passed down orally in a game of telephone. Which might be or not be to everyone's taste.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent collection of tales of African heritage, but from the Americas – and if you need telling why that's so, then you will surely learn from this. The introduction will tell you, then the introduction to each part will remind you, and then the introduction to each and every story will hammer it home, in quite woke fashion. But aside from that, which is a new addition to a book a generation older, what we have is great. There are farmers whose fairy-folk helpers get a bit vindictive, a lot of different little creation myths and 'Just So' kind of stories, lots of trickster stories, too – although I didn't find favour with them so much, as their colloquial delivery was just a step too far for my liking.

Some of the pieces – especially towards the end – are overly-brief mentions of something fantastical, rather than a proper, narration-worthy story, but that's not unique to these pages, of course. While I've been getting through this and not once turning to the upcoming "Watkins Book of African Folklore" I was always already aware that that would prove more comprehensive and more value-packed. But this, for the more family-friendly and more novice-friendly variation, would definitely suffice. Three and a half stars.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself frustrated by this book a number of times for various reasons. Most of the time, it was because I didn’t understand a story, or the intended message of a story, or what seemed like the punch line wasn’t clear. The author writes an introduction to every story in the book, but they often cover things that are self-evident from reading the stories and are circumspect, so they don’t give anything away. I began to feel that it would have been better if she had consolidated her intros into the chapter intros, or possibly written postscripts that could discuss the intended moral, why stories seemed to end abruptly, or what characters meant when they said something (The Swimming Contest?). The dialect of the Joel Chandler Harris stories was sometimes difficult to read, but I appreciated that they were republished as they were written. I suppose this might be why the story of the Tar Baby was told using a “simplified” version, but it wasn’t as satisfying or even as clear. Many of the stories include episodes of violence and murder which present a different kind of frustration. I wanted to broaden my knowledge of African folklore and revisit stories I already knew, and I can say that was accomplished; however, I wanted more from this book.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a perfect introduction to African and African American history and mythology. It is a fantastic collection of folklores, folktales and stories about African culture and myths.

The stories, which begin with an introduction and sometimes content warning, are interesting and easy to follow. Sometimes funny, sometimes thoughtful, each had a lesson to teach.

It is a candid canvas exploring the relationship between culture, history, science and how some of the things we know today came into being.

I love that the editors didn’t shy away from the exploration of the origins of the popular Peter Rabbit stories and the Ann Nancy tales.

It had beautiful and colourful illustrations which were perfect accompaniments to the stories.

I struggled with the Brer Rabbit section of the book as it was written in old vernacular style and I couldn’t understand most of the stories in that section.

[Anjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books with folk tales from other cultures, sometimes to just see the overlap with one’s own.

This book comes with a detailed introduction, not just to the whole collection, but also to each individual story. I liked the first, but the latter almost made the story itself superfluous.

This is a very deep collection, but the extra long introductions as well as the language used for several chapters made it hard for me to read at my usual pace. I like the significance of the book, and would recommend it, but overall it took me time to work my way through.

I think people who specifically are into stories and the connected cultural significance will better appreciate this book than I did.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Verity Ruston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Wellfleet Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I was really excited to come across this book as I've been after some more Anansi stories for a while. As a child I had a small story book that had one Anansi story in it and found it hard to try and find something as an adult.

This is a really great collection of stories from across Africa and America. It ranges from Brer Rabbit to Anansi and then some that I wasn't familiar with at all. The book is very nicely laid out and the illustrations were lovely.

[Amity Eagleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley to review.

This is a fantastic, well-produced collection of stories. It is both interesting and educational. As an adult, I could fully immerse myself in the historical explanations accompanying the stories. I would also recommend this as an educational tool for early educators. Its art makes it a beautiful coffee table book.

The stories themselves were all fables and tales that I've heard in some form throughout my life, so I loved reading about the oral history that surround them.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Roots and Legends is a beautiful book inside and out.
The cover, the artwork interspersed throughout, as well as the detailing on each page make this book a very visual experience,

In addition, the stories and short and entertaining, with brief authors notes about the cultural significance and important meaning behind each one - which makes it a quick read, or an easy read to break into pieces and read over time. I also feel like this would be a fantastic audiobook.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I found this book really interesting. I thought that the way the book was set out and structured worked really well. I really enjoyed the informative paragraph before every story that explored the roots of each tale and gave it context that helped in understanding what to take out of each story.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I’ve always enjoyed reading myths and folktales. I’d heard of several of these stories but there were quite a few that were new to me. I like how Anasi’s son is able to outsmart his father since his father only thought of himself.

[Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of folklore, I definitely enjoyed this one. I’m less familiar with African folklore so I appreciated the context given before each individual tale. I liked Talking Eggs and Uncle Monday best, I think.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roots and Legends is a collection of African folklore from Anansi tales and many of the common iterations of the tale to teach a lesson. This is an interesting and unique collection of oral history and folklore.

[BookTrib.com]

Ready to have these legends passed down to us next!

[Órla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a first introduction to African and African American fables, this book was excellent. The artwork surrounding the stories alongside the information on the context within which each folktale was created or evolved really fleshed out each section and made for an overall educational experience. I’m happy I got the chance to read this book!

NetGalley ARC