An African tale with a traditional feel, celebrating the speed and grace of the Cheetah - a brand-new title in this successful series of African folktales.

Long ago, Cheetah was sandy-coloured and lay snoozing all day on the Great African Plain. There was no need to run to hunt because animals tripped over her. But one day there is a fire, and all the other animals are fleeing. This is the story of how Cheetah got her markings, and discovered that she can run as fast as the wind.

The first book in the series - Greedy Zebra - was published in 1984 and the series has stayed in print ever since.

Praise for the series: 'Their books are beautiful to look at and to feel, and perect for reading aloud.' School Librarian
'A delightful book.' Books For Keeps

Mwenye Hadithi was born in Nairobi in a rambling brick and wood house surrounded by ten acres. His early life was full of animals. He attended London University, studying languages and foreign literature. When his first attempts at short stories and radio plays were sold immediately, he decided to be the next great African Writer.

Adrienne Kennaway spent most of her formative life in Kenya, East Africa, where she developed her interest in wildlife. Interest soon turned to art and even as a child Adrienne painted animals. A spell at Ealing Tech in London and L'Academie Bella Arte in Rome polished Adrienne's skills. Adrienne has illustrated over 30 children's books and her illustrations for Crafty Chameleon won the Kate Greenaway Prize. A world-wide traveller, Adrienne now enjoys spending time in the countryside, capturing the local wildlife on canvas. She lives in the Republic of Ireland.