How the Leopard Got His Claws

by Chinua Achebe, John Iroaganachi

Recounts how the leopard got his claws and teeth and why he rules the forest with terror.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Folklore, Africa, Folk Tales, Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Works, including the novel Things Fall Apart (1958), of Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe describe traditional African life in conflict with colonial rule and westernization.

This poet and critic served as professor at Brown University. People best know and most widely read his first book in modern African literature.

Christian parents in the Igbo town of Ogidi in southeastern Nigeria reared Achebe, who excelled at school and won a scholarship for undergraduate studies. World religions and traditional African cultures fascinated him, who began stories as a university student. After graduation, he worked for the Nigerian broadcasting service and quickly moved to the metropolis of Lagos. He gained worldwide attention in the late 1950s; his later novels include No Longer at Ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964), A Man of the People (1966), and Anthills of the Savannah (1987). Achebe defended the use of English, a "language of colonizers," in African literature. In 1975, controversy focused on his lecture An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" for its criticism of Joseph Conrad as "a bloody racist."

When the region of Biafra broke away from Nigeria in 1967, Achebe, a devoted supporter of independence, served as ambassador for the people of the new nation. The war ravaged the populace, and as starvation and violence took its toll, he appealed to the people of Europe and the Americas for aid. When the Nigerian government retook the region in 1970, he involved in political parties but witnessed the corruption and elitism that duly frustration him, who quickly resigned. He lived in the United States for several years in the 1970s, and after a car accident left him partially disabled, he returned to the United States in 1990.

Novels of Achebe focus on the traditions of Igbo society, the effect of Christian influences, and the clash of values during and after the colonial era. His style relied heavily on the Igbo oral tradition, and combines straightforward narration with representations of folk stories, proverbs, and oratory. He also published a number of short stories, children's books, and essay collections. He served as the David and Marianna Fisher university professor of Africana studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

ollowing a brief illness, Achebe died.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sort of have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, the story has some meat to it. The personalities of the characters were well developed. The story took its time and set itself up to make the climax impactful. King Leopard sort of had a Shakespearean transformation from being a wise and benevolent king, to getting really pissed off and losing his higher self and his kingdom to anger and revenge. There are some intense passages in this story, and I really think those passages took the kids aback a bit.

But, boy, while the story was intense (which made it interesting), I was kind of uncomfortable with the message that was coming across. That message was if someone hurts you, or sells you out, you A) treat them with with contempt, and then B) choke on your hurt and anger until you can't stand it any longer. Then you take your anger and some weapons to the object of your hate and cut loose. Hm.

Because I wasn't down with this message, I asked the kids what they thought of the way King Leopard dealt with the problem before him. I was relieved that they didn't think his reaction was the appropriate way to go. Initially the kids were advocating for King Leopard, but when he went off the rails they lost some respect for him. Although they did kind of embrace "you reap what you sow," I was pleased to hear that their ideas of what good leadership is did not include rage, weaponry, and ruthlessness. I also specifically chose to read this book to the kids just so we could have this discussion.

[talia · Rating 2 out of 5]

How the Leopard Got His Claws chronicles the breakdown of peace and harmony in the forest kingdom triggered by a power struggle between the leopard and the dog.

Although the illustrations are absolutely GORGEOUS, I can’t look past this story’s narrative faults. Achebe’s/Iroaganachi’s writing did not particularly impress me—it was inconsistently formal, and the writers seemed to struggle in terms of adhering to the folktale format. I failed to understand the necessity of the intermittent songs within the story.

Additionally, it really bothered me that Achebe chose to adapt such a dark, grim story for a childhood audience. It’s violent, depressing, and it does NOT have a happy ending. As a kid I would have been traumatized by this book. Plus, it portrays dogs in a really nasty light.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this is a fable about the danger of power taken by force, and the destructive results of power being removed by force--the destruction of a culture, of a way of life, of peace. One who does so is shown to be weak and base (dog) and the other (cheetah) is shown to be vicious.

Here is one adult writer who has done a good job crossing over into children's literature. This long picture book would make a good read aloud in grades 4-12.

[Arlene♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, it was a little dark, but I like the stories that came from it. Like why the Dog is known as mans best friend and why the Leopard is King. It was a great story. I was entertained even when I thought that my daughter might not have gotten it all the way.

I liked this one so much, I'm putting on my list to buy.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinua Achebe tells this tale of the animals of the jungle and how they went from being friends, living together, to enemies, one and all. It is a very interesting reasoning of what happens when there is not loyalty to friends and when power is the ploy. If you've read some of my other reviews, I don't like books that teach wrong lessons. I don't like rudeness and disrespect. And some may think this book is one of them. However, I think in the reading of this story, there are many good lessons to be pulled from it. I also enjoyed the fact that Achebe didn't try to make everything "okay" in the end, but let the lessons stand. It is kind of a sad, regretful ending. Because of this subject, I believe this book is better to read with older children, not the young ones. The pictures are quite capturing and well done.

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just... didn't like it.

My main problem with it is that I tend to dislike stories about actual stuff that isn't true... is that all fables? Some are more palatable to me because they're cutesy or have a really good moral. In this story, the cheetah didn't have claws or sharp teeth. None of the animals had sharp teeth except for the dog. So the other animals made fun of the dog for having sharp teeth in his mouth (okay, that part was funny, because clearly sharp teeth are going to come in handy...foreshadowing)

The story itself was dark. The dog was a lazy evil villain... but at least the leopard is this benevolent ruler... until he's crossed by the animals and then he turns vicious, too. Everything the animals had worked together for was destroyed. The story seemed to be ruled by laziness, cowardice, and violence.

[Cosette · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is like the horror picture book for kids. Do you remember when Nightmare on Elm Street came out on HBO and everybody was like, "Don't watch it! It's so terrifying!" So, of course, I watched it and thought, is that spaghetti sauce on the ceiling? Or chocolate sauce? And did it stain?
Ok, so this book presents some really nasty things about human nature (under the guise of that's what life's like in the animal kingdom folks) that I'd rather not explain to my kid but, because it's in a picture book, I just became the provider... I am HBO.

[Kirstin LaBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a Leopard who rules using kindness and is always fair, but as the progresses, the Leopard realizes that everyone likes dogs better. Leopard quickly realizes that dog has claws, which Leopard doesn't have. Eventually Dog takes the throne from Leopard because he is more liked. The Leopard gets super mad that his throne was taken from him, so he decides he should get claws too. He regains the throne, but uses violence to do so.

Although the illustrations were great and the story itself was very good, I'm not sure I would want to read this to a child, because it seems rather dark.
I gave it a 4 star rating because I thought it was a good story and wasnt to graphic, but I'm also an adult.

[John Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's important to remember where this tale originated, as some children may find it a bit on the violent side. That being said, this is an elegantly illustrated folk tale from a part of the world we don't always hear stories about in this genre. The tale is engrossing and those younger readers who listen or read all the way through may sense hints of behavior they have noticed in humans that are less than desirable. The moral of the story reflects the reality of the wild creatures around us and how many react to humankind.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, my review is based on student reaction. The ISD students worry for leopard, express their outrage at his treatment. They question why "dog cheated on the leopard" and why "dog kills the other animals". They react to injustice and ask what words mean. They don't want to misunderstand the story.
Five stars every time I read it to children.

[Lindsay Niebuhr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about how the leopard got his claws and the effects of power. I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars because of the authors multiple great books and the important message it carries.

[Sunny Kim]

it is a very good folk tail and I like it because if it wasn't a folk tail it could've been real

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the illustrations. And, since I don’t like dogs, I liked that the dog was the villain (well mostly).
I think the story is kind of violent for the usually picture book audience.

[Rachel B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I found it an interesting "folktale" read, it was too scary for storytime with my K-aged kiddo.

[Danger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked all the blood. - G (age 8)

[Alyssa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of the Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program (K-3)

Wow, there's a lot to unpack here.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really amazing! the leopard got metal claws!

[Daisy Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't like this book that much. It was a bit too long and hard to follow at points. The illustrations weren't my favorite either. The ending felt rushed and was a bit graphic.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad story about how the leopard use to be kind-hearted, but bad circumstances hardened his heart and made him cruel. Nice pictures.

[Lyds · Rating 1 out of 5]

L: "what I didn't like about the book is the end. It wrote about killing instead of a happy ending which it ends in all sad stories and this wasn't a good story. I didn't that much like it."

M: It didn't feel like a very positively themed book. I can see where they were going; however, I felt it ended a little negatively. The one sentence remark on peace did not salvage the whole book.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found How the Leopard Got his Claws by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe on the Barnes & Noble website while searching for folk tales I hadn’t read or heard of before. The story starts out with all the animals living in peace, being ruled by the leopard. All, except the dog (who is the only animal with claws and fierce teeth) work hard to build a shelter together to protect them from rain. The dog ends up needing to go into the shelter and after fighting/hurting another animal - takes over the animals. Leopard is outcast and journeys where he gets his own claws/sharp teeth. He later returns to take over the animals, but uses fear to lead them. He declares that he will lead with fear and not peace. This story is also an allegory because it has a hidden message, which is how fears can poison society or the dangers of power taken by force. I do not feel that this story is appropriate for younger children. It is violent in some parts. It could offer a good discussion for middle schoolers or even high school students. I think it would open the door to have great conversations about leadership styles (authoritarian vs authoritative), as well as the history of political leaders and their leadership styles.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I arrived to this book is quite fascinating. In the obituary for a wonderful man, Clayton Christensen, it was mentioned that he had read the World Book Encyclopedia from A-Z when he was a young boy. Many years ago I had started to do the very same thing, but did not get very far. I decided to start again, knowing that I would probably not ever finish. Nevertheless I stared, and it has already been a fascinating journey. In my encyclopedia journey I read about Achebe, the author. One of his noted achievements was the writing of this children's book. I had never heard the story so that was fascinating. The illustrations were magnificent. I am anxious to read his adult book, "Things Fall Apart"---His first novel Things Fall Apart (1958) was considered his magnum opus, and is the most widely read book in modern African literature

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This African folk tale begins with a King Leopard who rules using kindness and is always fair. As the story continues King Leopard realizes that everyone likes Dog better, and he has something Leopard does not, claws. Eventually Dog takes the throne from King Leopard and he is so mad that he finds a way to get claws himself. He regains the throne, but must use violence to do so.

I felt that the moral of this folk tale may be too much for young children, but then again that can be a common theme in this genre. The illustrations were beautiful and very colorful. This could teach children to not let people take advantage of them for being nice, but it could also teach them that violence is the answer to that problem, and that is why I am unsure of this book.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pulled this off my parents' shelf to read to my youngest niece because I thought "Hey, Chinua Achebe. I love his writing." My oldest niece read it first and said that I shouldn't read it to the youngest and that it was kind of sad. It is a sad story though there is some hope. Because of that it is the kind of real story that is worth reading to kids; the world is often a sad place, though there is some hope out there. (I didn't read it to my youngest niece yet, but that's more because she's only 2 so she wouldn't understand too much and her attention had already moved on from reading books to other things by the time I got to read it).

[Aprilleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sounds a lot like some modern governments and the people they govern. They follow the strongest “leader” out of fear, regardless of his ability to lead or his concern for his people. Then they all persist in praising their misery and mercilessly tormenting anyone who dares to speak out. And don’t ever try to leave a tyrannical government, because it’s not allowed.

A truly wise and kind king wouldn’t have turned on his people the way the leopard did. They may be cowardly sheep, but a true leader forgives these weaknesses.

[Gphatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic illustrations and a very wonderful, modern fable combine in this excellent book. I would probably bump it up to 5 stars if I was confident that some of the allegorical themes would be understood by young children, to whom this book is obviously aimed. However, I bet that even elementary school kids will be able to understand some of the basic concepts of sticking together; overcoming adversity; and selling out your friends. Recommended.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love introducing my kids to different cultures through folklore. All cultures have different (native) animals and in a round-about way the stories bring awareness to the values inherent in the people from each part of the world. In this story, we learn that the tiger was a docile and respected leader, until the dog usurped his power and the tiger became full of revenge. So the values of community and karma come into play.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great classic fable! I loved the darkness reminiscent of an original Brothers Grimm tale, and the illustrations set it off perfectly. It passed the bedtime test of my 3 year old, but I would recommend it more for an older child who would be more likely to understand the themes of the tale - my 10 year old loved it!

[Melissa De Wever · Rating 5 out of 5]

The anthropomorphizing of the animals and giving them a realistic conflict is very intriguing. Additionally, giving a background to the qualities of the creatures makes for a unique story.
I enjoyed the story. The different cultural perspective from mine made it an interesting tale. The illustrations were also lovely, somewhat reminiscent of woodcuts.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual addition but important to the African folklore genre section. Part explanatory part political in nature. It is unusual to have a dog as the villain. I believe it would make a good reader's theater or with younger students; some form of creative drama.