The Lion's Whiskers and Other Ethiopian Tales (Revised) cover

The Lion's Whiskers and Other Ethiopian Tales (Revised)

Author: Ashabranner, Brent

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 5.5
Points 3.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 16654
Points per Word 0.00018
Page Count 96
Points per Page 0.03125

Description

This is a collection of folktales from the nine main tribes of Ethiopia, along with two stories from Ethiopia's religious traditions.

Quick Summary

Fans of folktales from every corner of the globe will love diving into these stories, which travel from the highland villages of the Amhara to the desert camps of the Afar, each one giving a glimpse of a different Ethiopian tribe's sense of humor, wisdom, and bravery. The collection mixes classic trickster adventures with gentle, sometimes a little scary, moments like the tale of a lion whose whiskers hold a secret while always circling back to themes of honesty, cleverness, and community. Because the language is straightforward but vividly descriptive, kids in grades 4-8 can read it independently, and the short, self-contained stories make it perfect for reluctant readers who want a quick, satisfying read without feeling overwhelmed. Parents will appreciate that the book also includes two stories rooted in Ethiopia's religious traditions, offering a respectful look at how faith shapes everyday life. If your child enjoys short, story-driven books like *The People Could Fly* or *A Treasury of African Folktales*, this revised volume will feel right at home on their shelf.