Suitabook

African and Caribbean Folktales, Myths and Legends

Wendy Shearer

Reading: Read one retelling at a time, pausing to identify its setting, central problem and unusual element. Afterwards, compare it with another story and discuss whose viewpoint or tradition is foregrounded.
Themes: Tricksters and cleverness: The book addresses tricksters and cleverness; the detail of how it is developed remains unclear. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
Origins and transformation: The collection includes a tale about how the leopard got its spots. This is presented as a traditional tale explaining an origin, offering a way to discuss how myths imaginatively account for features of the world.
Myths across African and Caribbean traditions: The anthology brings together folktales, myths and legends from across Africa and the Caribbean, including traditional favourites and classic mythology. The collection creates an opportunity to compare traditions, though its handling of differences between communities and cultures is not clear.
Worth knowing: Some titles suggest potentially eerie or fantastical material, including the Headless Dance, cheating Death and magical trees. Preview individual stories if your child is sensitive to unsettling imagery or supernatural ideas.