Before people started writing, they told stories orally; many good stories were not recorded. They finally disappeared. Others were changed and are not original anymore. These kinds of stories told by word of mouth are called oral traditional stories.

Since writing started, books have played an important part in people’s life. In books we learn about cultures of other people, we interact with characters and compare ourselves with them. We also learn vocabulary and get entertained. The writing of stories came to solve the problems of oral stories.

Today, children in Rwanda are becoming more interested in reading books. This is because many people are writing very nice stories. Parents have also known the importance of reading. Also, many non-government organisations are encouraging people to write children stories.

Many stories in children’s books are about animals. These are called fables. Animal stories helped children to learn moral lessons from them in funny ways. Many Rwandan children animal stories talk about how animals live together. They also talk about behaviours of those animals with each other. In those stories, animals can talk, support each other and do kind acts to others. Sometimes, animals challenge each other and finally learn a lesson. Common stories are the hare stories.

Children also love stories called fairy tales. These stories entertain children. Children are very happy to read about people flying from heaven to the earth, insects being used as transport, birds attending parties in heaven etc. These kinds of stories present a world where everything is possible and life is very interesting, scaring and peaceful.

Generally, stories are important for children. They help children to know about the past. Children learn moral lessons and also get entertained. Parents should encourage their children to read and support them by buying books for them.