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Ijapa's Quest for the Wisdom of the World

by Dr. Olaiya E. Aina; Illustrated by Sharon Perrin

16 pages; Saddle stitched; colour illustrations; catalogue #05-2666; ISBN 1-4120-7769-9; US$9.50, C$10.93, EUR7.80, £5.46

West African Folktale with an amazing twist and moral implications. Children's story that enhances critical thinking and encourages inquiring minds in this age of technology.

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About the Book

About the Author

Excerpts

About the Book

Have you met Ijapa the turtle of Yoruba folk tales? Let me introduce him to you. He is the greedy, cunning turtle who always carries his house on his back. He is also a clown and a prankster, who is full of boasts, and believes that he is so wise, he knows the answers to all problems. He is very curious and never minds his own business. Ijapa is the greatest storyteller on earth. This makes Ijapa an unruly and amusing scoundrel. You can't help hating him, but at the same time you can't help loving him because he makes you laugh at his foolishness. Here is a story about one of Ijapa's escapades: Ijapa's Quest for the Wisdom of the World- Enjoy!

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About the Author

Dr. Olaiya Aina is an Associate Professor in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction at the California State University, Los Angeles, USA. He taught for nine years at the College of Charleston, South Carolina and directed the Masters Program. Olaiya is a former teacher and an administrator and a storyteller. He taught at different levels from Kindergarten to Grade 12 both in Nigeria and in Canada. He is currently teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses in early childhood education. It is often said among the Yorubas of Nigeria that 'charity begins at home.' I grew up in a village with my parents and grandparents. I was very close to my grandmother so it is no surprise that my given name depicts her status in our community. Olaiya, which means "the honor, the wealth or the riches of the mother," was a symbol of our closeness. My grandmother and my Dad used to tell us stories every night, and especially on moonlight nights. The series of children's stories that I know today were mostly told by them. In other words, I grew up with these stories. Also by this author: Ijapa and the Dry Bone

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Excerpts

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