The Flying Tortoise: An Igbo Tale

Mbeku the tortoise is proud of his magnificent, shiny shell - maybe too proud. Because he is so handsome, the greedy tortoise feels he can demand the biggest share of everything.

When the birds are invited to a feast in Skyland, Mbeku is determined to go with them. The tortoise even convinces the birds to help him and soon he had magnificent wings of his own. When Mbeku repays the birds with treachery, he learns he is not the only one who can play tricks.

With his spirited retelling of a traditional take from the Igbo people of Nigeria, Tololwa M. Mollel brings the crafty tortoise's schemes to a satisfying and lighthearted comeuppance.