Dennis - Stories From West Africa: Book 1 ORIGINAL PAGE

From SPARK

One-sentence summary

More West African stories for children and adults.

Description

The author, David Naff, heard these fables from West African story tellers. Many have been told and retold for many years by their ancestors. Some of the stories are true. There may be many versions of the same story. The author chose the one that he liked best. He wanted stories that taught Godly lifestyles. Some of the stories have been told around the world.

All but one story includes one or more Bible verse that are connected to the story. The stories are exciting and challenging for young children. Older children and adults easily understand the meanings of the stories.

The stories included are:

• Spider and Fox Hunt Together – Hebrews 10:24
• Two Boys and Their True Father – John 8:44 and John 6:37
• Spider's and Monkey's Feasts – Matthew 5:44
• Leopard Plays Dead – 2 Peter 2:5
• The Easy Way is Not Always Best – Romans 1:22
• Goat, Sheep and Dog in the Road
• Clever Rabbit and Lion – Matthew 24:35 and Hebrews 6:18
• Spider's Tiny Waist – Matthew 6:24
• Three Cows – Ephesians 4:3
• Spider and Jackal – 1 Corinthians 9:27
• The Monkeys' Fine House – Luke 9:62
• Chameleon and Hawk – James 1:8
• Clever Dog – 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Spider and the Yam Moon – Psalm 27:14
• Spider's Hammock – 2 Corinthians 11:14 and James 1:14
• Elephant is Afraid of Goat – Philippians 2:9-11

Colorful pictures are on the page facing the written story. These add to the understanding of the story. They show scenes typical of West African animals and activities.

Considerations

These stories should be told by a story teller. The author has given ideas for telling the story:

• Do not READ these stories, they are meant to be TOLD orally.
• Do not memorize it.
• Ask God to put you at ease. The more relaxed you are in the telling, the more the story and its meaning will be remembered.
• Read it carefully until you know its meaning.
• Relax.
• Tell it for the enjoyment of it.
• Act out the story and change your voice for the characters. This helps the people to relate to the story and remember it.

(Notes from the author, David A. Naff)

• The Bible verse references from the “New International Version” are used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
• None of the pictures have odd angles or parts of bodies.

Limitations

• Some colored pictures were blurred. (Note page 44)

Guidelines for Use

These stories can be used in Sunday School, children's clubs or camps.

Where to Obtain

Link to Producer or Source Organization

Cost

Free downloads are available (see sidebar to the right).

Producer/Owners

Author/Artist/Producer

Author: David A. Naff Artist: David A. Naff

Current copyright owner

Published by: The Joint Project for Sunday School Materials PMB 2127 Jos, NIGERIA Africa

Other Information

If you would like to translate these stories for a minority language, contact David A. Naff. Working together you will make a Creative Commons agreement.

Reviewed by

Vida, VMS

Date

2007