The Flying Tortoise: An Igbo Tale

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

Once again Mollel delights the reader with his latest rendering of a
traditional African folk tale. Mbeku, a greedy and cunning—but not
uncharming—tortoise, cheats the gullible and credulous birds out of a
delicious feast they have been invited to in Skyland. Later the angry
birds avenge themselves by attacking him, and, in the process, causing
the tortoise’s smooth and gleaming shell to become pitted and
seamed—as all tortoise shells are to this day. Mbeku, undeterred by
their assault, returns undaunted to the forest and his trickery.

This interesting and entertaining morality tale would not have the
impact it does if the protagonist were a totally unlikable character. On
the contrary, Mbeku is intelligent, spirited, and resourceful, and the
reader hopes that the tortoise will become considerate of others. The
marvelous illustrations capture Mbeku’s malevolent gleefulness and the
foolish expressions of the birds in rich, vibrant colors. Highly
recommended.