REVIEW - Animal Stories Daddy Told Us

Animal Stories Daddy Told Us by Innocent Emechete

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The voice used in this collection of stories reminds me of an orator  standing in front of you telling a story. I can imagine the author standing in front of a group of children and sharing the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.  I love the feeling of the African tradition of oral storytelling.

Each story features an animal, using the an African word (more than likely Nigerian) for the animal. I think it is a great way to introduce words children do not know from another language to foster a spirit of learning about other cultures, and that there are many languages used in the world.

Each story teaches a moral value. I love using books to help children learn.  It helps that me when my children know that I am not the only person who is trying to teach them.  It's great when children can learn in a non-threatening environment that other people have moral expectations as well.

About the Author: (Taken from the last page of the book):  The Author, Rev. Fr. Innocent Emechete is a Catholic priest born in Nigeria, West Africa.  He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, Masters Degrees in English Literature and Theology; Graduate diplomas in Education, Journalism and Guidance Counseling.

The Author has been an English Teacher in High School and an English Lecturer in College.  From his teaching experience he has a tremendous love and faith in children and young adults.  Fr. Emechete has also a 17 and half year experience in State and Federal Corrections as a Chaplain in the United States of America.  He believes that with a little adult interest in youth, they will have less problems dealing with confusing and conflicting world views, which make young people vulnerable to joining gang groups and other kinds of misguided occupations today.

He strongly believes that children and all young people are basically good until adults misguide them.  The author believes in investing in young people.


I received a copy of this book to review from the author.  I accepted the book in exchange for my honest review.