The Greedy Hyena

The Greedy Hyena is an ancient West African folktale. Like all folktales, this is a story which speaks from the ages, to all ages, cultures and ethnicities. The lessons the Hyena brings to the reader and listener is universal in perspective and appeal.

Because of those elements, the Hyena, immediately found a space in my repertoire and became a favorite of young and elder audiences.

Once, I presented The Greedy Hyena in a storytelling residency. Some of the children, who participated, acted out the various parts of the story. From that experience came the idea of putting the story in book form. I spoke to many illustrators and viewed their renderings but it was Kianga's folk art that matched the visions I saw in my head. For me, her images captured the energy and boldness of the African plains and expressed a text, that I tried to make fun, beyond the capacity of my feeble imagination. Her artistic genius makes this book truly a "work of Art!"

Along with making the story funny, I tried to make the text fun for the listener and the reader, as well. So, have fun with all the sple[q[djkrq'ajre words and create a few of your own, if you wish. Hyena would like that.

I thank you, in advance, for purchasing The Greedy Hyena. Be on the lookout, there could be other Hyena adventures coming your way.