FROM THE FOREST THAT SWALLOWS SOUND

In the villages of Western Bahr-el-Ghazal, stories meant more than entertainment. They helped people survive. These tales were lessons shared at night, warnings passed down over time, and bits of wisdom that gave children courage in a world marked by conflict, displacement, and change.

From the Forest That Swallows Sound brings these memorable tales to life. Daniel Ukang shares stories from South Sudanese oral tradition that shaped his childhood as a Lost Boy and helped him through refugee camps, migration, and his journey toward hope. Each story offers a moral lesson through adventure, community, and resilience.

These stories are great for classrooms, families, and readers of any age. They connect the past and present, reminding us to pause, reflect, and see that strength often comes from hardship and is shared through stories.

Inside this book, readers will find:

• Short, powerful stories rooted in South Sudanese folklore
• Themes of courage, responsibility, kindness, and ethical decision-making
• Lessons children can apply in real-life situations
• Characters who navigate danger, friendship, trust, and consequence
• A window into Dinka and Thuri oral traditions
• Universal values that cross cultures and generations
• Inspiring material for reluctant readers and young learners
• Perfect read-aloud stories for parents, teachers, and mentors
• A celebration of community, resilience, and the wisdom of elders

Whether you are a parent reading at bedtime, a teacher searching for diverse books, or a reader wanting stories that last, From the Forest That Swallows Sound offers tales that do more than entertain; they help build character.

These stories help us grow stronger.