Once Upon a Time – Bamileke Fairy Tales / African Fairy Tales
Il était une fois…
Through this bilingual book in English and French, discover traditional African fairy tales, myths and legends, as once told by our elders under the stars.
About the Book
This collection presents fairy tales from the Bamileke people, part of the oral tradition of West Cameroon. These tales were traditionally shared in the evenings, around a fire, by grandmothers and griots (storytellers), long before televisions existed.
In most African fairy tales, animals are used as characters to deliver messages to humans. The goal: educate without confronting, guide through metaphor, and inspire reflection.
Educational and Cultural Purpose
Myths, legends, and fairy tales have always been tools of education and wisdom transmission. They help raise children by instilling values, morals, and community principles in a playful and memorable way.
Book Features
- Language: Bilingual (English–French)
- Stories from the Bamileke tradition (Cameroon)
- Modern presentation of ancestral oral literature
- Accessible to children, parents, educators, and storytellers
Why this book?
Through the RESULAM initiative (Revival of Minority Languages), the author brings to life the tales of his childhood. It’s a cultural bridge between generations, continents, and languages.
Perfect for bilingual storytelling sessions, cultural education, and African heritage promotion.
