THE WISE OLD TORTOISE AND THE MONKEY

About the Book

THE WISE OLD TORTOISE AND THE MONKEY is a Zambian folktale used in teaching the young about living in a diverse community. In the story, a diverse group of animals live in the same tree home without interacting. The Monkey hosts a “get-to-know-each-other party for all at his residence up the tree. He mockingly asks the tortoise, who can’t climb, “Aren’t you coming?” The Tortoise attempts to climb but fails. His pride is injured but he does not show it. Instead, he hosts a “thank-you party” for the neighbors and says, “But you must wash your hands before eating.” The monkeys fail the test, can’t walk on their hind legs the fifty paces between the bowl of water and the party. Frustrated, they decide to leave the party but the Tortoise, being compassionate, invites them back to “…come join in on the merrymaking.” And all the neighbors are happy.

About the Author

Vukani G. Nyirenda is a freelance writer specializing in Zambian children’s folktales. After obtaining a Doctor of Social Welfare degree from UCLA, he worked in his home country Zambia as university lecturer, administrator, and a civil servant. He is also a graduate of Long Ridge Writers Group, The Institute of Children’s Literature, and member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His book KALULU THE HARE OUTWITTED, has been published by Nuever Publishing, llc and his other children’s stories have appeared in FANDANGLE magazine and SKIPPING STONES magazine. He lives in Ontario, California.