By skyforbes 
Title: Nigerian Folktales & Other Stories
Author: Kingsley Chibuzor Nwabia
Year of Publication: 2017
Number of Pages: 151
Category: Children’s Book
The first thing that catches your eye about Nigerian Folktales & Other Stories is its bold, beautiful cover, so striking it could easily work as a t-shirt design. That’s just the beginning of what makes this book special. Right away, it’s clear that Kingsley Chibuzor Nwabia poured thought and care into the project.
From the artwork to the storytelling and even the quality of the print, nothing feels rushed or ordinary. The book has the feel of a keepsake, almost like a family album you’d want to preserve and pass down.
The author is generous, offering 15 tales. Some familiar, others new. Each one sparkles with the magic of oral tradition: wise animals, clever children, and timeless lessons that still resonate today.
Of course, deceit, betrayal, and a touch of wickedness surface into the pages because really, what else would you expect when the tortoise is involved? He (who really needs to work on his personal brand) takes center stage with his endless tricks and scams, while the lion isn’t left out either.
What makes the collection remarkable is that it doesn’t simply recycle old stories; it reshapes them in ways that feel fresh and engaging. The characters’ names are too unique and delightful to overlook, and the familiar titles stir nostalgia. After all, who hasn’t heard of “The Wicked Step Mother”?
Even if you’ve read some of these tales countless times, they never lose their charm. Each one comes alive through vivid illustrations that draw readers of all ages into the characters’ worlds and the lessons tucked within. Still, not all the stories are familiar, and that’s part of the delight.
By the end, you might pause at the cover again, wondering why all the animals are packed into a yellow danfo and what story the author meant to tell with that playful image. Whatever the reason, it’s another sign of his creativity.
Think of this not just as a storybook, but as a window into Nigerian heritage, lovingly shared with a modern audience.