"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.

Absolutely wonderful book. Written in 4 sections (Why Things Are the Way They Are; Morals Taught through Animals Tales; Bearing Witness; and People with Unusual Powers) and featuring cultural figures and stories, this book was a really interesting read personally (my OH is nigerian so like to learn to teach our daughters) and he enjoyed listening to retellings of stories he heard growing up. A book I will want to buy for my bookshelf.

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.

Very interesting look at folk tales.
The writing was alright, but I would personally like some more analysis and or discussion og the stories.

I was however very happy with the storytelling. Thank you to the author and publisher for giving me access to this book as an ARC.

I will also post this review on storygraph.

I've been in a reading slump and this was the perfect antidote. Most stories in the collection are only a few pages long so it was easy to read one or two and set the book down until my brain wanted to read again.

The stories themselves are fantastic! A nice mix of African and American folklore. Some were familiar but most were new to me.

This would be a great book for adults and kids. A few of the stories might be a little creepy for really young readers but they're all what I would consider rated G.

Definitely adding this one to my physical book collection.

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.

Any fan of folklore will love this collection and return to it repeatedly. Great for any age, to share with the kids or just to enjoy any time.