The Stories

Author: Wangui Kamonji (Kenya)

Synopsis

Deep in the Sahara, where the Tenere Desert meets the Air Mountains, on a rocky outcrop, rest the gigantic carvings of two giraffes. The bigger of the two, is over 18 feet tall! Archaeologists tell us that they are about 7-10,000 years old. But how did they come to be? Did their far-seeing spirit guide hunters across the desert? And will they be there for generations to come? Moufa tells her story.

Author: Mariska Taylor-Darko (Ghana)

Synopsis

Kookoo the peacock is the most beautiful bird in the garden. But he is also the most boastful. His friends get so tired of him singing his own praises that they ask Old Zumbo to punish him. But neither Kookoo nor the other animals can predict what happens next.

Author: Izuchukwu Saviour Otubelu (Nigeria)

Synopsis

After a deadly plague hits Umuike village, three men set off to get the sacred calabash from the priestess of Ojukwu in order to lift the curse. But will their weaknesses and vices spoil their efforts?

Author: Gugulethu Radebe (South Africa)

Synopsis

Naledi, a curious young girl, wanders off into the woods one night. When darkness falls, she pleads with the Moon to help her find her way home. But the Moon refuses to share her light, so the Great Creator issues a punishment that explains why today, the moon does not always shine round and bright.

Author: Melissa Zibi (Cameroon)

Synopsis

Uncle Modibo is a master cabinetmaker with a big dream – to build an art school in his small town. But despite his best efforts, it seems that his project is cursed. That is until the community, and a very special person, rally around him to make his dream come true.

Author: Nnamdi Anyadu (Nigeria)

Synopsis

Chicken is crowned King of the Skies. But when he betrays his fellow birds, he is condemned to a lifetime on solid ground.

Author: Sally Garama (Kenya)

Synopsis

A greedy merchant disregards all warnings in search of fortune. But he soon learns that greed is like the desert, it is never satisfied.

Author: Zukiswa Wanner (Zimbabwe/South Africa)

Synopsis

After being passed up for a promotion at work, MaNdhlovu’s husband begins to drink to excess, earning himself the nickname, Chang’aa, like the potent Kenyan brew. Due to bad leadership, MaNdlovu and her neighbours eventually lose their jobs too. They hope that becoming farmers will help them. After all, everyone needs food. Will they be able to stand upright and save themselves from a life of misery?

Author: Ali Majok (South Sudan)

Synopsis

When a flock of birds drink from a poisoned lake, they start to destroy the world around them. Little bird and her mother are forced to fly over forests and rivers, dry plains and rocky mountains to find a new big nest that they can call home.

Author: Monde Sifuniso (Zambia)

Synopsis

When the King of Barotseland goes blind, his subjects vow to find a cure to restore their beloved ruler’s sight. A wise man reveals that the only way to do so is by capturing the ferocious monster of Lake Makapaela. Will the grown-ups be brave enough to do so? Or will the children save the day and get a mighty reward?

Author: Amatesiro Dore (Nigeria)

Synopsis

When the water spirits catch Kimi spying on them, they worry that she will reveal their sacred songs and dance to the world. Indeed, she becomes an instant Internet sensation. Will she use her fame for good, or will the water spirits be forced to punish her?

Author: Maïmouna Jallow (Gambia)

Synopsis

Young Shela is forced to go on an arduous journey to find her parents after slave traders kidnap them from their home. She is given special powers, which she uses to remind all those she meets scattered across various continents that they still have a home and a name that belongs to them.