African Stories, Timeless Lessons
African Stories, Timeless Lessons
Two generations. One storytelling tradition.
Some stories deserve to be told again
In 1996, my mother, Zainabu (Zain) Renner, published Ethics In African Dress, a collection of 20 African stories for children.
The book began in church. When she spoke at services, she was often asked to tell the children an African story. Friends encouraged her to write them down so they could be shared in Sunday School too. A veteran teacher of English Literature, she drew on stories she heard in her own childhood in Sierra Leone, others from her African studies, and her own insight.
Every story opens with a Scripture reference and teaches at least one lesson about life and character. She described them best herself:
"Universal lessons, clothed in African style."
I grew up on these stories. Years later, I retold and illustrated ten of them in my own book. Today I'm making a limited number of her original printed copies available, alongside mine.
The story behind the books
In this short video, I share why my mother's collection means so much to me, and why I want to carry these stories forward.
The two-book collection
Her original, and my illustrated retelling, together.
How Mr. Cat Fell Out With Mr. Rat and Other Stories retells ten of my mother's stories with illustrations, the ones I remember best. Read side by side, children get all 20 of her stories in her own words, and see ten of them brought to life in pictures.
The title story explains, with a smile, why cats and rats don't get along. Underneath is a lesson every child needs: choose friends whose values match your own.
Your collection includes
- One original 1996 printing of Ethics In African Dress by Zainabu Renner (20 stories, 45 pages)
- One printed copy of How Mr. Cat Fell Out With Mr. Rat and Other Stories (10 illustrated stories, 30 pages), signed by me, with a personal inscription if you'd like one
- A free PDF ebook of How Mr. Cat Fell Out With Mr. Rat
- U.S. shipping
$27.99
Limited by the number of original 1996 copies
A gift that lasts beyond the occasion
Looking for a Christmas gift for a grandchild, a birthday present, or something meaningful for a baptism, a dedication, or a Sunday School teacher? These stories carry Scripture and a lesson worth keeping, and they are meant to be read together.
The signed two-book collection makes a natural gift. Add the recipient's name at checkout and I will inscribe the book personally for them.
For Christmas delivery, please order by December 8. Orders ship within 2 to 3 business days.
Ethics In African Dress
Compiled by Zainabu Renner · Original 1996 printing · Paperback
These are original copies printed in 1996, not reproductions. Twenty stories, each with a Scripture reference, teach forgiveness, honesty, obedience, generosity, hard work and trust. Several include short songs for children to sing together.
$16.99
Limited original copies available
Prefer digital?
Download the PDF editions and start reading today.
For Sunday School, homeschool and family devotions
These stories were first told to children in church, and they still work best read aloud with a group or a family. They're a natural fit for Sunday School teachers, children's ministry leaders, Christian homeschool parents and grandparents.
Read a story. Start a conversation.
After each story, ask:
- What did you learn?
- Would you have made the same choice as the character?
- What advice would you give them?
- What stood out to you most?
About Zainabu Renner
Zainabu Renner was born in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and graduated from Harford School for Girls in Moyamba in 1955. She completed graduate studies in Iowa in 1961, then returned to Africa with her husband to serve the Church in several African countries.
From 1975 she taught English language and literature at the Government Technical School, Congo Cross, in Freetown, and earned her Diploma in Education from the University of Sierra Leone in 1982. She dedicated this book "to all grandchildren, all over the world."
Read her full life story, from Pendembu and Westmar College to her 1961 wedding and her years of teaching in Freetown.
Questions
When will my books arrive?
Printed books ship within 2 to 3 business days and usually arrive within 5 to 10 days. Shipping within the United States is included in the price.
Do you ship outside the United States?
Not at this time. International readers can enjoy both books right away as PDF ebooks.
How do I receive the PDF ebooks?
Immediately. After payment you are taken straight to a download page. Save the files to your phone, tablet or computer, and read them anytime.
What does "original 1996 printing" mean?
These are copies printed when my mother published the book in 1996, not new reprints. Each is a piece of her legacy, and supply is limited.
Can you sign the book for someone special?
Yes. The two-book collection includes a copy of How Mr. Cat Fell Out With Mr. Rat signed by me. Add a name at checkout and I will inscribe it personally.
What ages are the stories for?
They are written for children and enjoyed by readers of all ages. Younger children love hearing them read aloud, and the questions after each story help families and classes talk about the lesson together.
I have another question.
Email me at books@sylrenner.com. I am happy to help.
Thank you for helping keep these stories alive
Read them. Share them. Let them start a conversation. That was part of my mother's vision when she collected these stories, and it's a tradition I'm honored to continue.
Sylvester Renner
Secure payment is processed by Stripe. Printed books ship within the United States only, with shipping included. PDF downloads are delivered right after purchase. Questions? Email books@sylrenner.com.