The Tortoise and the Hare: A West African Graphic Folktale
Discover Graphics: Global Folktales Series
What’s inside...
A fresh and lively retelling of the timeless folktale featuring a cunning tortoise and a swift yet overconfident hare. Set against the vibrant backdrop of West Africa, this graphic novel brings a cultural twist to the classic fable, highlighting themes of humility and perseverance.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the tortoise win the race despite being slower than the hare?
How do you feel about the hare's behavior during the race?
If you were in this story, which character would you want to be and why?
What lesson do you think this story teaches us about how we treat others?
Can you think of a time when you had to be patient to achieve something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters and their actions by asking them to relate the story to their own experiences. Praise their insights and expand the conversation by exploring the cultural significance of this West African folktale. Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, altering your pace and tone to match the unfolding events. This shared reading time can greatly enhance your child's understanding and appreciation of the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: In the story, the tortoise wins the race despite being slower than the hare, because he does not give up and keeps moving forward.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of consistent effort and perseverance, understanding that they can achieve their goals through persistence, even when facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: The hare is very confident in his ability to win the race easily, which leads him to become complacent and ultimately lose.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of humility and the dangers of underestimating others based on appearances or assumptions.
Example Lesson: Strategic thinking
Explanation: The tortoise wins the race by thinking strategically and pacing himself, rather than rushing through as the hare does.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think ahead and plan their actions, highlighting how strategic thinking can lead to success in various aspects of life.