Children of all ages and stripes continued the African oral tradition in Roswell Monday evening.

How could they not?

Jessica McGowan/AJC (ENLARGE)

Mama Koku starts an interactive children's storytelling program about African derived stories at the Roswell Public Library.

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Storyteller Mama Koku's infectious energy swept over more than 30 children and their parents at the Roswell branch of the Fulton County Public Library, teaching them lessons through spoken word and song.

"Anything worth having is worth working for," Koku, who's real name is Donna Kokumo Buie, told her excited co-storytellers.

As part of Roswell's month-long Black History Month celebration, Roswell Roots, Buie presented story hour to children ages 3 and older.

Her stories were based on folk tales passed on through generations of African griots, or storytellers.

"She's one of my favorites," said Roswell children's library director Angie Welchel said of Buie. "Everyone responds so well to her."

As such, Buie's stories weren't just for her to tell.

"I want everyone to participate. You too, parents," she told the assembly, inviting all to join in singing, moving and chanting the words to her tales.

And volunteers like 10-year-old Isoke Smith were tasked with portraying several of the stories' characters.

Isoke got to be Anansi, the wise spider from the Ghanaian fable of the same name, who had to complete three tasks for the god N'yame.

"I want my friend to learn about my culture," she said, referring to Talia Oknin, 10, of Persian lineage.

Buie also performed Joel Chandler Harris' Brer Rabbit tale "Tar Baby," and said the story was derived from the Anansi myth.

"Everything is passed down through oral tradition," she said. "As you read folk tales, they're the same from culture to culture."

Lisa Artis, of Roswell, brought her 12-year-old son Noah and her daughter Grace, 9.

"We never heard the story of Anansi," Artis said. "I want them to find more stories like that."

Buie said so many stories like the ones she tells from the African oral tradition are available in books from the library.

They're popular tales because they have a lesson children and adults can relate to.

"I try to focus on the wonderful lessons and values our ancestors passed down," Buie said. "They do come from Africa, but ultimately, they're just great stories."