Balla and the Secret of the Source

‘Funga Alafia! A warm welcome to you, lovely people!

The Sages of the World have asked me, Balla the Griot, for help! The fog has engulfed an African village, and their water source has turned into ice! The Sages chose me because I know beautiful legends and stories that the young and old can learn from. Stories about determination, bravery, passion and the courage to help other people. I’m sure the fog cannot compete with that!

Luckily, Aimée is going to help me. She’s good at telling stories. In her own way, of course. Without her, I wouldn’t have started this assignment. Will we defeat the fog, get the water source to flow again and help the village to flourish like it once did?’



‘Balla and the Secret of the Source’ is a graphic novella for the young and old. It is suitable for anyone who loves beautiful stories and those who are curious about unknown worlds. Likewise, if you have a special connection to Africa, or you were born there, or your family comes from there, you’ll enjoy this book. Aside from featuring Balla’s exciting tale, it also shares universal wisdom via African legends and stories like: The Unicorn of the Blue Nile (Ethiopia), The Throne of the Ashanti (Ghana) and Anansi the Spider.

While working and travelling in Africa, Leontine van Hooft learnt about the African Ubuntu philosophy, meaning: I am, because We are. Great leaders like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan followed this philosophy. In addition to The Chronicles of Ubuntopia, Leontine has written several award-winning management books about Ubuntu.

The beautiful illustrations in this graphic novella were created by Jean-Claude Ngumire. He trained to become an illustrator in Rwanda. Through his knowledge of Africa and African cultures, he brings the legends to life in a way that only he can.



*Buy one, share one*

For every book sold, we share a copy with less fortunate children, through schools, libraries and voluntary organizations in the countries where the legends and stories come from. In this way, we bring the stories back home to where they belong.



*About the Chronicles of Ubuntopia*

‘☆☆☆☆☆ for Balla and The Forest of Legends! It is a beautiful book about making the world better together. Aimée helps Balla to defeat the fog, and together they support each other. Young and old.’ Birdykids



‘The typical African experience, savannas with elephants, lions and drums, is very clearly recognizable, and that makes it a bit Disney-like at first sight. But, to be fair, the stories are much more profound and mystical.’ Afrika Nieuws



*About the creators*

While working and travelling in Africa, Leontine van Hooft learnt about the African Ubuntu philosophy, meaning: I am, because We are. Great leaders like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan followed this philosophy. In addition to The Chronicles of Ubuntopia, Leontine has written several award-winning management books about Ubuntu.

The beautiful illustrations in this graphic novella were created by Jean-Claude Ngumire. He trained to become an illustrator in Rwanda. Through his knowledge of Africa and African cultures, he brings the legends to life in a way that only he can.