Efik Moonlight Tales, Calabar Nigeria

By JOAN EFFIONG

Efik is a Language spoken in Nigeria.

Growing up in Calabar, Nigeria, I spent countless hours listening to my elders tell tales. Being the only girl in a family with five boys, and second to the youngest, I learned about and understood my role from my maternal grandmother.  

Both my paternal and maternal grandmothers gathered all the children around and taught us important life lessons through narrative stories.

They typically used animals to illustrate the types of behaviors they wanted to reinforce or discourage. I remember many nights listening to my elders share these stories against the backdrop of a dazzling full moon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JOAN EFFIONG
• Release date: Feb 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386440161

Book preview

EFIK Moonlight Tales

Written by Joan Effiong

Illustrated by Steve Illguth

Copyright © 2018

STORY COPYRIGHT © 2018 Joan Effiong

Illustrations copyright © 2018 Steve Illguth

Cover design by Michael Solomon

Cover painted by Baba Kenyattaa

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the author.

EBOOK ISBN:

Dedication

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK to God Almighty for his mercy, strength, grace and for sustaining me throughout life so far. For enfolding me in his love and placing people on my path to complete this book. May His name always be praised!

Acknowledgements

FIRST, I MUST GIVE credit and my deepest appreciation to my grandparents who gave me the passion of storytelling. Also to my husband Chief Richard O. Effiong, and to my daughters: Nsa Austin, Ibok Douglas, Ekanem Sellmon, Nkoyo Effiong-Lewis and Atim Effiong for being my audience as I recanted my childhood stories that our elders used to teach about self-development, moral reasoning, comprehension skill and more. For the persistent reminder of my children to put these stories into this book so they would have something to give to the next generation.

I also wish to acknowledge my brothers in Calabar, Nigeria and my deceased parents and two brothers for giving me a strong sense of self-worth and creating opportunities for me to become an independent thinker, a keen observer and a caring human being.  As the only girl in the family of five boys, I learned to appreciate different perspectives. Blessed with many acquaintances, I was able to understand what it means to be teased and develop a sense of humor, and learn the art of negotiation.

To others who have enhanced my development of storytelling in the State of Utah and for those who have stepped in to review, edit and publish these stories, Nick Mills, Geraldine Beard, and Scott Hunter. To my aunty Dr. Mrs. Maria Glory Nya, my cousin Minika Davies and two family friends Efiok Otudor and Asuquo Ukpong who have encouraged the development of this book.

Contents

EFIK MOONLIGHT TALES

Animal Kingdom

The Princess’s Suitors

Turtle (Ikut) & It’s Shell

Ikut Ye Enen (The Turtle and Elephant)

One Body & Many Parts

Tail Boasting

Animal Kingdom