The Wisdom of the Tortoise is about the African Tortoise named Mafana. Mafana is visited by a group of children who want to know the source of his wisdom. Mafana tells children about his life story. He recalls a time when he was ridiculed, teased, and mocked for his slowness by a hare named Nhamo who challenged Mafana to a race. Little did he know what Mafana was endowed with. Mafana was determined to prove to Nhamo that even lowly creatures have brains. He accepted the challenge and worked out a plan that left his competitor speechless and embarrassed. The book teaches about the benefits of living honest lives. We are each capable of great honesty in our lives, maybe great love and wisdom too.