In this book of tales from Africa there are stories about an evil-hearted shark, an extremely cunning hare, a very greedy spider, and the strongest man in the world.

There are also answers to such questions as why the crab has no head, why the sun and moon live in the sky, and why flies buzz.

Drawn from all parts of Africa, these stories illustrate the fierce sense of justice inherent in African peoples, their powers of patience and endurance, and their supreme ability as story-tellers.