The Rat-Catcher's Son...and Other Stories
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
A Nigerian grandfather tells stories from daily life relating to the Gospel.
Description
Two Nigerian children eagerly listen to their grandfather, Baba, as he tells them stories. Each traditional story tells about problems which they have in their lives and what the Bible teaches about Christian life and witness. The nine stories show the difference between right and wrong choices and the results of each. Children are helped by these stories to want their choices to be right ones.
The setting is African as are the children’s responses to Grandfather’s stories.
The titles of the ten stories and three brief reviews are as follows:
- Angel of Light
- The Boastful Man
- The Wild Water Buffalo – Abu is such a mean lady – no one in her village likes her. One day she wants to change her ways. Will she be able to?
- The Jackal and the Leopard
- The Poor Woodchopper – The poor woodchopper saves his pennies for years to buy his bride and give her all that she wants. Does his happiness last?
- The Rat-Catcher’s Son – The rat-catcher’s son is beaten by his father for letting a rat escape. Will the son ever be loved by his father?
- The Ungrateful Beggar
- Elder Turtle and the Robe
- The Burden of Black Beans
Each of the nine stories includes a full page black and white drawing that helps explain the story.
Considerations
- Some of the descriptions of Nigerian daily life are written as explanation for western children and they may not be needed for an African audience.
Limitations
Guidelines for Use
- The book would probably be best received when translated in some media format for African children. It also might be useful for cultures outside of Africa. This would help others learn about African culture and life-styles.
- These stories are normally told by a story-teller. This would be the ideal media method to use.
- The black and white illustrations could be given out to color, or take home as a reminder of the story.
- The stories could also be put on audio cassettes or used as radio programs after translation into indigenous languages.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
Current copyright owner
SIM also has offices in the following countries: Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Korea, South Africa, and the United Kingdom
If you are interested in translating this book, in book or media format, contact SIM International. Working together you will make a Creative Commons License agreement.
