For centuries, the tribes of sub-Saharan Africa have preserved their histories, beliefs, and values through oral storytelling, and that tradition still persists throughout the region today. Although each tribe has its own customs and spiritual beliefs, all of these preserved stories share a common purpose: to explain why the world is the way it is. They are intended to provide moral guidance, keep alive ancient memories, teach specifics pertinent to their culture, reflect the influence of their gods in their daily lives, and sometimes, they are meant to simply entertain. Inspired by this rich tradition, the stories in this collection reimagine African folklore through the lens of its extraordinary wildlife. While rooted in the concept of oral storytelling, however, these tales are entirely fictional. In order to deepen the connection between fiction and fact, each story concludes with a brief profile of the animal that inspired it. These snapshots are far from complete but offer the reader a starting point for further exploration. So, dive right in, and perhaps discover a favorite animal to cheer for along the way! * These stories were not meant to be a retelling of any documented tribal heritage. All names, customs, and references were invented. Any mistakes or inaccuracies in describing animal behavior, geography, or cultural elements are the author’s own.