In the olden days, and even in some rural villages, after dinner, under moonlight, the little children gather around the elder's house to hear some of the stories about legends; kings; gods and goddesses; the animal kingdom and how it supposedly came to be; and so much more that taught wisdom, common sense and morals. Children are taught about their roots, cultural values, folklore, proverbs, issues relating to discipline, respect for elders, love for one another, etc. through the medium of entertaining stories.

This book Tales-by-moonlight comprise of African folktales in which tortoise as well as other famous animals features prominently. This story is mostly told in igboland. The Igbos of those days, instituted the culture of playing under moonlight (Egwu Onwa) in place of the above mentioned sources of entertainment and recreation.