Fanyana is a little boy who lives in Africa and, because he is very poor, makes a toy crocodile out of clay. The crocodile, called Makulu, magically comes to life when a lion is about to have Fanyana for his dinner. Makulu then instructs Fanyana to help the animals and even befriend the nasty lion. Fayana Talks to the Animals is a charming book of illustrated children's verse in which Fanyana does exactly what Makulu says and helps many animals with their problems.