This short story is about a lesson from disregarding an excellent moral compass.
Although this book highlights the peaceful, harmonious friendship between the Ajapa (Tortoise) and Ako (Great Heron) at the beginning, that friendship was tested because of Tutu's lack of self-restraint. After falling from the sky, Ajapa's action left an undeniable legacy of a cracked shell on the back of all tortoises.
I wrote this story to preserve the oral story that elders used to share with me and many other fellow kids growing up in my African community when we gathered in our compounds roasting corn on the cob under the stars.
This book is dedicated to our elders and ancestors. Some of the proceeds will go to STEM and STEAM initiatives in Africa.