Long ago, when the earth was first beginning, the animals of the forest did not live together peacefully. The Great Spirit, anxious for harmony, called the animals to a meeting in the center of the forest. There, the animals learned one of the creatures of the forest would be chosen to rule the earth and bring peace to the land. To accomplish this, The Great Spirit devised a test. Atop an enormous pile of wood, The Great Spirit set a gourd. The one who could retrieve the gourd and find the key to life would become the ruler of the earth. The animals thought this to be a very simple test until, to their surprise, the pile of wood burst into flames. What happened to the animals as they tried to retrieve the gourd and the lessons they learned from their efforts are the story of Why People Rule the Earth. ********************** Why People Rule the Earth: An African Folktale is an authentic tale in the oral tradition of the Baluba people who live along the River Lwembe in north-central Shaba, the southern portion of The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire. From 1971-1974, I worked in every province of Zaire developing programs in sport and public health. This tale is one of many told to me as gifts from village griots who serve as historians and genealogists and who instruct village children in the folk wisdom of the tribe. Talking animals often inhabit these stories and humor helps to make clear some of the story's profound truths. Over the course of the book ... Tripps effectively uses clear, straightforward language to emphasize the importance of unity and wisely using one's unique strengths. ... Martinez offers a series of vibrant, full-page illustrations in earth tones, pinks, and blues, and these images successfully enrich the story; the detailed portrayals of various animals pop against the leafy background. ... A lively fable for teaching youngsters about teamwork. - Kirkus Reviews Why People Rule the Earth is an inspired retelling of a classic African folktale. As the story unfolds, rich, vibrant illustrations bring this timeless tale to life. Ideal for reading aloud, this book invites readers of all ages to reflect on the importance of community and teamwork, sparking meaningful conversations that bring families closer. --Rebecca Chandler Leege, CEO, Worldreader Dan G. Tripps, PhD, is a retired healthcare practitioner, university professor, sport administrator and coach who has worked on projects with the International Olympic Committee, UNESCO, and the U.S. State Department among others. Through his books and public speaking, Dan shares inspirational stories and important lessons about life resulting from his work. Dan lives in the Pacific Northwest, having migrated north from his California beach city roots pursuing his professional career after academic life at the University of Southern California, San Francisco State University, Stanford University, and the University of Oregon.- BA, San Francisco State University, 1968- MA, Stanford University 1969- PhD, University of Oregon, 1976- Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, 2003