How The Zebra Got His Stripes

by Mauritz Mostert

Overview

Illustrated African Folktale for all ages.

African Folktales are common to most of the tribes and peoples of Africa. Different cultures, whilst sharing a common point of reference, will colour each story with their own rich, unique heritage. These tales by tradition were handed down by word of mouth through the ages, to be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Honouring tradition, I tried to keep the "voice" of the original storytellers of old, in the same manner in which they spoke, centuries ago. Contractions have been left out, since they were not the mode of speech in those bygone days.

In Africa, myths and tall tales abound, around the next mountain, through yonder valley, you will find a story that almost sounds the same as one you heard before. Thus, there are many versions of each tale. I believe my stories capture the essence of originality, having been adapted from traditional oral folktales.

Many folktales about Africa inspired countless expeditions in search of mysteries and treasures, from golden mountains, to lost tribes, to amazing animals. How did they get there? How were they made? Were they kind or fierce? Were they friendly or terrifying? Yes, some were gentle, some were vicious, but all had a story to tell. Who are they? What do they stand for, what nature do they have?

All beings possess traits of one kind or another, it is these that are discovered in folktales.

These stories have been built upon ancient traditions. As an African-born author, I owe a debt of gratitude to all our ancestors who passed down wonderful fables and tales, from which these stories are derived. It is to them, I dedicate my books.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940155043911
Publisher:	Wildmoz
Publication date:	09/29/2020
Sold by:	Draft2Digital
Format:	eBook
File size:	271 KB

About the Author

Author and artist, Mauritz Mostert, was born and bred on a South African farm. The untamed bushveld was his second home where his family was influential in the creation of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

Growing up between what was then the African wilds and a commercial farm meant driving vast distances over dirt tracks, through rivers, riding in supplies needed for weeks at a time in an old Kombi.

Isolation in the bushveld was profound but blissful. In the rainy season the camp would be cut off as the rivers rose and flooded the dry bush. The nearest bush clinic was the mission station at Acornhoek, run by nuns, over forty miles away and the nearest small town, one hundred.

In the bush, young Mauritz learned to be resourceful and capable. His constant companions, the birds, the animals and Santros, the son of his grandfather's right-hand man. But like most colonial children from African farms, Mauritz had to eventually go to boarding school, seeing his beloved bushveld only on holidays.

Mauritz has worked in South Africa and Botswana as an expedition guide and coordinator for documentary makers associated with National Geographic. Apart from painting and writing books, he is the webmaster and developer accountable for Wildmoz. There he is the wildlife photographer, providing visual content on the websites and illustrations for the African Folktales Book Series.

Table of Contents

AFRICAN FOLKTALES are common to most of the tribes and peoples of Africa. Different cultures, whilst sharing a common point of reference, will colour each story with their own rich, inimitable heritage. These tales were handed down by word of mouth through the ages, to be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Honouring tradition, I have tried to keep the “voice” of the original storytellers of old, in the same manner and style they spoke centuries ago. The art reveals the tone of Africa and its settings, displaying the world in which the characters find themselves.

In Africa, myths and tall tales abound, around every mountain, through every valley, you will find a story that almost sounds the same as one you have heard before. Thus, there are many versions of each tale. I believe this story captures the essence of originality, having been adapted from a traditional oral folktale, thereby preserving its uniqueness.

Many folktales about Africa have inspired countless expeditions in search of mysteries and treasures, from golden mountains, to lost tribes, to amazing animals.

How did they get there? How were they made? Were they kind or fierce? Were they friendly or terrifying? Yes, some were gentle, some were vicious, but all had a story to tell. Who are they? What do they stand for and what nature do they have?

All beings have traits of one kind or another; it is these that are discovered in folktales.

Editorial Reviews

I have had a fascination for all of Africa since I was a small child. I’ve visited many countries in Africa, and know that mankind began in Africa. I have always been interested in the ancient people and their folktales.

I don’t recall how I came to find Wildmoz, but there is so much to learn and enjoy on Wildmoz. When I came Upon the Folktales Books, they opened up a new understanding of tales which have been told orally since ancient times.

The Trilogy (I do hope there are many more of these books) includes, How the Leopard Got His Spots, How the Zebra Got His Stripes, and Jabu and the Lion.

Each of the stories make you feel as if the author is telling the stories orally. I can imagine, sitting around a campfire on a starry night, listening to an ‘old man’ tell stories he’d heard since his youth. The words flow easily and the first two folktales can easily be understood by even the youngest child. The last book about Jabu is better understood by an older child or an adult.

The personalities of the animal characters in the stories follow the traits of the real animals. Although the stories are folktales, they are true to the individual animal. All tales should have a morality statement, and these stories do not disappoint.

I found, many of the descriptions in the stories, amusing. I so liked the one about the tasamma melons quenching the thirst but leaving a strange feeling on your teeth. It immediately brought to my mind, eating a persimmon.

I would recommend these books for both children and adults.

Bobbi Lippe Mallace USA

From the Publisher