How the Rivermaid Grew Her Tail and Other West African and Caribbean Myths
Sale price
$2184
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2026

How the Rivermaid Grew Her Tail and Other West African and Caribbean Myths

Written by Jessica Wilson · Illustrated by Sophie Bass

Tricksters, rivermaids and talking animals explain how the world came to be.

3.0 Goodreads · 4 ratings
96 pages· ~720L· AR ~4.6
$22.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

An illustrated anthology of myths and folktales from West Africa and the Caribbean, retold by Jessica Wilson with art by Sophie Bass. Stories include How Anansi Became King of All Stories, Mango Heart and Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky, interwoven to celebrate the storytelling traditions shared across the ocean.

From the publisher

"Vivid prose supported with dynamic drawings create a very well-rounded and thoughtful collection that may introduce readers to a new set of fairy tales." - School Library Journal Discover a world of myths and magic in How the Rivermaid Grew Her Tail, a stunning anthology that celebrates the storytelling traditions of West Africa and the Caribbean. Stories include: How George Grew Wings (USA)How Anansi Became King of All Stories (Ghana, Ivory Coast & Togo)Mango Heart (Jamaica)Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky (Nigeria). . . and many more.Author Jessica Wilson gathers lyrical, interwoven folktales that have traveled across oceans and through time. From Nigeria and Ghana to Jamaica and the USA, these stories have gathered new color and meaning along their journey. Each story is introduced with the country, people, and traditions where the tale originates, making the collection both immersive and accessible for young readers, families and classrooms. Paired with Sophie Bass's vibrant, symbolic illustrations, this anthology immerses readers in the colors, foods, landscapes, and characters of West Africa and the Caribbean. Told through authentic voices, this book is created by author Jessica Wilson, who has Jamaican heritage, and illustrator Sophie Bass, who has Trinidadian heritage. With its cultural richness and celebration of ancestral heritage, this anthology creates a safe, joyful space for children to see themselves represented.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
96
Reading age
9–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
~720L
AR book level
~4.6
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
F&P level
~Q
Publication
Published
August 4, 2026
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781836005568

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.