Why Cats Chase Rats – An African Folk Tale

Passed down through the generations, this classic African Folk Tale from Nigeria has been enhanced with beautiful watercolor illustrations. This is the timeless story of two friends who allowed a beautiful day and one decadently delicious dinner to come between them.

African folktales are well known for using an imaginative story to explain the reasons for why things are the way that things are. Set in the fascinating animal world in the land of Barn, this is the entertaining story of when once upon a time, cats and rats were friends, and why they no longer are today.

The re-telling of classic Nigerian folk tales insures that this tribe-related folk story/myths from Africa is engaging and filled with colorful characters, and even more vibrant illustrations that positively pop out from the page at you. These specially commissioned images will captivate your imagination as you follow the Cat and the Rat through the destruction of a fast friendship. By the end of this clever and imaginative story, it becomes clear why they will have to live as mortal enemies for the rest of eternity ... or at least until next summer, anyway. : )

“Why Cats Chase Rats” will engage your child’s curiosity about the animal world around him, and will spur him on to want to know more and even read more about African culture, folk stories, and Africa for kids.

Pick up your copy today!

This book has been formatted to display well on eReaders and devices such as Kindle, Kindle Fire and Kindle apps for Smartphones, tablets (including iPads) and computers.

What People Are Saying About Why Cats Chase Rats -An African Folk Tale
by Zahabu Ahonja and illustrated by Francis Albert Abella:

“Great story. Fantastic illustrations. What else could you want? Oh yeah, the newly classic line: ‘for fun, food and revenge of the yams.’ Nice one!” – Jim Hobson

“Love the color. Love the Cat. Even love Fatty Ratty.” - Laura Walker

“Thanks a lot! :-) Now I have to look for a recipe somewhere for yam porridge (or make something up.) My kids want to try it – they can’t wait to taste the ‘yammy goodness.’ It’s a household joke now.”
- Kristen Peters

“I loved the illustrations. They were bright and colorful and action-filled. I liked the story, as well. Too bad for the rats. One bad apple, as they say.” – Martha Crawford


About The Author

Originally landing in the central states, Zahabu Ahonja currently lives out West.

Relatively introverted and mostly shy in new situations and around people she doesn’t know, she spends most of her time doing one of two things. She’s usually out walking, hiking, biking enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, or she’s staring into the computer monitor enjoying the spurts of creativity and inspiration that come sweeping down from out of a benevolent, yet unpredictable and invisible cloud. Harnessing herself to it, she gets thrown obsessively into a working frenzy, creating, molding and adding dimples to whatever her latest project might be.

Upon occasion, attending to life’s daily needs, she has to pry herself away, and interact with real people, whether strangers or family members. All of it - the social and the sequestered - it all breathes life into her, and allows her to sparkle, crafting each day as a new adventure.

About The Illustrator

A graduate of AB in Fine Arts in Far Eastern University, Francis Albert Abella started as an animator in Animation Company in the Philippines in 2000. He has worked on projects for such industry giants as Disney and Warner Bros.

He began to focus on graphic design in 2006, crafting designs for various companies and real estate firms.

Eventually his passion for the art of vector graphics led to his illustration career in the dawn of 2009. Since then, he has been featured in various art venues and websites.

He is currently a freelance illustrator for a variety of clients. You can view some of his portfolio at http://shadowness.com/artsake