Folktales from Nusa Tenggara Timur Whisper of the Island

This book is a collection of folktales from Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), written to introduce children to English while preserving and celebrating local cultural heritage. Folktales hold a significant place in NTT’s oral tradition, passing down wisdom, values, and identity from one generation to the next. By presenting these stories in English, we aim to create a meaningful learning experience that strengthens both language skills and cultural appreciation. Designed for children in general, and especially for young readers in NTT, this book offers simple yet engaging narratives that make learning English enjoyable. Each story is carefully adapted to be accessible for beginner learners, while still maintaining the essence of the original folktales. Through these stories, children will not only improve their English proficiency but also gain insights into the moral lessons and traditions of their ancestors. This book is the result of a collaborative effort between lecturers and students of the English Education Study Program at Nusa Cendana University, created as part of our commitment to community service. We hope that this collection will inspire young learners, encourage bilingual literacy, and contribute to the preservation of NTT’s rich cultural heritage. We sincerely thank all contributors for their dedication to this project. May these folktales bring joy and learning to many children.