Gloria D. Gonsalves 
Swahili Folklore 
A Compilation of Animal Facts, Folktales, Nursery Rhymes, and Songs

Sometimes old memories come fl ooding back into one’s mind with nostalgic eff ect.
One day my brain felt like a giant elephant as I hummed old songs and rhymes
that dated as far back as my days in nursery school. My native country Tanzania
was preoccupying me. I felt the urge to share these wonderful childhood memories.
It was time to show my gratitude to all my teachers who made my school days a
joy to remember and also to share the gift of memory with all the children in this
universe.
Th is book consists of nursery rhymes, songs and 20 Swahili folk tales translated into
English. Th e stories were written and submitted by school children from Manundu
Primary School in my hometown Korogwe. In Tanzania, oral lore is a common
tradition of transmitting stories from one generation to another. I did not wish to
see this knowledge get lost but get preserved in a form of written book. Th e nursery
rhymes, songs and animal facts were contributed by me. Th ese were inspired by
memories from my school time experiences and also a wish to instill children with an
appreciation for the wild animals, especially those belonging to the List of Th reatened
Animals.
For every child who wishes to explore their wild and fun side, just fl ick through
the pages of this book and get acquainted with the Swahili folklore and Tanzanian
wildlife. Tanzania warmly welcomes you. “Karibu sana!”