Traditionally, an important function of folktales in West Africa has been to educate, as the older generation imparts knowledge to younger members of the family, tribe, societal unit, or ethnic group both informally in everyday life and more formally within the context of the bush schools. This anthology of West African folk literature offers more than 40 tales of human foibles, magic, and nature. The anthology contains tales from 15 countries (Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo). The tales, which instruct and entertain, are intended for readers everywhere and of any age, both in and out of the classroom. The instructor's manual provides materials and suggestions for classroom instruction to enhance student's understanding of the folktales. It provides activities to help students use their understanding as a starting point for exploring how what they learn is applicable in their own lives. The text is designed for a broad range of class levels and offers a variety of questions and assignments. (BT)