I’ve long been a fan of fairy tales and fables — Grimm, Anderson’s, Aesop — and probably always will be. It’s nice to find a book that has some of that same charm, those same moral and funny stories about foolish characters, clever characters, magic and mischief but from an entirely different group of cultures. There are similarities as well as differences, of course, but the spirit is still the same.

These stories feel like they’re meant to be told to an audience, with simple plots that leave room for a storyteller to add embellishments. I can just imagine reading some of these to a group of kids. Now, because these are older stories, there’s a great deal of misogyny; women being traded like property, women having no agency, and it’s something to keep an eye on.

The editors of this collection put thought into what they were curating, and there is an effort to add context to the arrangement and selection of the stories accompanied by some vibrant collage art.

If you’re a fan of story collections, this one is a worthwhile addition to your collection, and would be great to read with or to children. — regardless of ancestry. Honestly, I enjoyed every story (though Why Men and Women Don’t Have Tails Like Cows” is probably my favorite.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for granting me an ARC!

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.

This book is a collection of short stories, legends, fables, and folklore from African culture. It begins with a fairly lengthy introduction that delves into the culture, folklore, and history, explaining how these elements influence the stories within the book and how tales evolve and adapt over time.

The stories in the book are organised into different sections, including "Bearing Witness," "People with Unusual Powers," and "Why Things Are the Way They Are." Notable stories featured include "Anansi and Nothing," "Ohia and the Thieving Deer," and "Why the Moon Waxes and Wanes." Each story also includes an introduction that provides context and explains its significance.

One disappointment I had was that the book wasn’t fully illustrated. While there was some artwork for each section and occasional small illustrations, it wasn’t enough to truly deem the book illustrated. Additionally, I found it challenging to read certain stories, particularly the ones featuring Brer Rabbit, as they were written entirely in slang, which felt like a different language altogether.

However, I enjoyed exploring stories from different cultures, and the book appeared to be well-researched.

Interesting, funny and fascinating folktales, but the introductions to the stories were a bit disconnected and not that much informative.

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⚠️

All I can say is WOW. These stories were so rich and captivating. I love reading folktales from different cultures, it's always so eye opening to read from someone else's perspective, stories handed down in other countries. These were beautiful and I'd recommend everybody reading these.

"Roots and Legends" is a great collection of African and African American folktales that celebrates oral storytelling traditions. The book features diverse stories exploring themes like animal tales, cultural wisdom, and spiritual narratives. What you get is a rich compilation of folklore from African culture, beautiful illustrations, stories ranging from familiar tales like Brer Rabbit and Anansi to some lesser-known narratives that are accessible to both adults and children.

Highly recommended for all ages.

A well curated book of folklore - I enjoyed reading it and believe it will be well received by fans of this genre and those looking to learn more about African folktales. It is beautifully presented, but I feel that it is quite brief and narrow in focus. All in all, a good read.

I think fans of folklore will enjoy this one. The illustrations are colorful and there’s context given before each tale. The stories are divided into sections: Why Things Are The Way They Are, Morals Taught Through Animal Tales, Bearing Witness, and People With Unusual Powers. Some of the stories told in dialect may be challenging for the casual reader but it’s not too much. I imagine it would be really enjoyable to listen to them in an audiobook version.

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.

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.

This is a beautiful edition of a book on African and Afro-Caribbean folk stories. The retellings contained were very clean and simple - some I had heard before and others I hadn’t. I also enjoyed the additions of the story explanations of typical character archetypes that exist within these stories and what they represent. It was beautiful illustrated and a wonderful read.

Roots and Legends is a quick and fascinating read! I enjoyed all of the tales and especially appreciated the authors notes before each one which gave us a small peek inside the lives and times of our storytellers. Also, the art throughout the book beautiful. Highly recommend if you want a quick, entertaining but thoughtful read!

I feel very privileged to have been able to read this collection of stories and folklore that I never would have otherwise heard of, as someone with an entirely different cultural background. This was a great buffer from my dense and thick high fantasy reads.

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.

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.

After a year-long reading slump, a compilation of folktales is exactly what I needed to get back into reading. Each story was only 1-4 pages long, making it easy to pick up throughout the day.

I liked the folktales, but I almost wished there was more information about where stories originated from and how they changed from their origins in Africa to enslavement in the Americas. I understand this is a compilation, so expecting a whole research say is unrealistic, but I do consider it a plus that I was curious to find more information and dive deeper after reading Roots and Legends.

In this collection of African folklore discover the stories that have been passed down through generations tales that continue to teach valuable lessons today. 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.

The book is divided into sections covering the spiritual nature of animals, people, the land and its sometimes spooky inhabitants, each section is filled with timeless tales of heroes, tricksters, and everyday wisdom, immersing you in the depth and beauty of African and African American folklore.

This book is a good choice for families interested in passing down African and African American heritage through storytelling traditions, or as an introduction for anyone interested in learning more about those traditions.

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.

A great introduction to folktales in African cultures.
I enjoyed the information and the stories.
Looking forward to future books on the same topic.