Africa

April 29, 2020

I Just Want to Say Good Night ~ Rachel Isadora

I Just Want to Say Good Night

Written by Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by Rachel Isadora

In an African village a young girl tries to avoid bedtime by taking the time to say “good night” to various objects and all her animal friends. From the goat to the ants; from the rock to the moon, she says “good night.” She finally gets in bed and says good night to her book, “Good Night Moon.” This is a cute bedtime storybook! Read more >>

Buy the Book: I Just Want to Say Good Night

Originally posted on April 29, 2020.

August 27, 2018

Africa Dream ~ Eloise Greenfield

Africa Dream

Written by Eloise Greenfield

Illustrated by Carole Byard

This ia about a girl who visits Africa one night in her dreams. She explains some of the sights in “long-ago Africa” as she visits her ancestors. The kids complained about the black and white drawings, but I thought they were striking! However, a fun idea is to have the kids close their eyes and use their imagination while reading the book aloud to them!

Can You Dance, Dalila? ~ Virginia Kroll

Can You Dance, Dalila?

Written by Virginia Kroll

Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

This is a fun little story about a girl and her developing interest in dance. She attempts many forms of dance including the jig, line dancing, ballet, and tap dancing. However, all of her attempts were “unsuccessful.” Dalila’s gramma decides to take her to a festival to see a West African dance troupe perform. Enthralled in the dance, Dalila joins in and realizes that she is in the center of a huge circle and that everyone is “caught by the stirrings of her spirit.” Yes, Dalila can dance!

The Princess and the Pea ~ Rachel Isadora

The Princess and the Pea

Written by Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by Rachel Isadora

This book is the retelling of the classic Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale with a beautiful African setting! We really enjoyed reading this book together!

Buy the Book: The Princess and the Pea

June 27, 2018

Papa, Do You Love Me? ~ Barbara M. Joosse

Papa, Do You Love Me?

Written by Barbara M. Joosse

Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

A young boy from the Maasai culture in Africa asks his father, “Papa, do you love me?” The father explains all the ways he loves his son and all the things he would do for him. “I’ll care for you, love you, and teach you. Always. Because I am your Papa, and you are my Tender Heart.” This is a great book to celebrate fathers.

Can You Hear the Sea? ~ Judy Cumberbatch

Can You Hear the Sea?

Written by Judy Cumberbatch

Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

This story is very bright and fun! It would go great with a unit on sea shells. Sarah’s grandpa gives her a “magic” sea shell and tells her that if she listens closely she would be able to hear the sea. Well, Sarah goes through the entire week and hears all different kinds of sounds, but NOT the sea. Finally a week later, sitting quietly with her grandpa, she closes her eyes and is able to hear the sea. I think we will definitely use this book when we work on the character trait attentiveness!