In this collection of three traditional tales from São Tomé and Príncipe, readers meet Sun Tataluga, a clever and memorable turtle who occupies a central place in the folklore of this small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa. Through stories filled with humor, trickery, and wisdom, Sun Tataluga outsmarts rivals, solves challenges, and learns valuable lessons that have been passed down through generations. Along the way, readers are introduced to local customs, landscapes, animals, and expressions from Forro, one of the archipelago’s traditional creole languages.

Written by Rogério Andrade Barbosa, one of Brazil’s leading storytellers and researchers of African and Afro-Brazilian oral traditions, Soyas de Sun Tataluga reflects years of dedication to collecting and sharing stories from across the African continent. Through accessible language and engaging narratives, the book offers young readers an authentic encounter with the cultural richness of São Tomé and Príncipe while preserving the spirit of oral storytelling.

Taisa Borges’s illustrations enrich the stories with vibrant imagery inspired by African art and local nature. Her expressive compositions bring to life the islands’ fauna, landscapes, and folkloric atmosphere, creating a visual experience that complements the humor and wisdom of the tales. By combining traditional storytelling, cultural discovery, and universal themes, Soyas de Sun Tataluga offers readers a captivating introduction to a lesser-known literary and folkloric heritage while celebrating the power of stories to travel across borders and generations.