Africa

January 4, 2021

Amadi’s Snowman ~ Katia Novet Saint-Lot

Amadi’s Snowman

Written by Katia Novet Saint-Lot

Illustrated by Dimitrea Tokunbo

Amadi, a young Nigerian boy, does not understand why his mother insists on him learning to read. But, once he questions another boy (who can read) about his book with the strange white animal with a carrot nose, Amadi realizes the value and benefits of being able to read. Never having heard of snow, he is intrigued and desires to learn to read the book about the snowman. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Amadi’s Snowman

Originally posted on January 4, 2021.

December 27, 2020

Seven Spools of Thread ~ Angela Shelf Medearis

Seven Spools of Thread

Written by Angela Shelf Medearis

Illustrated by Daniel Minter

What a wonderful story! I love how the author uses the seven principles of Kwanzaa in this story of constantly quarreling brothers, who are given the task of making gold out of seven spools of thread. In addition to weaving the principles into the story plot, the author provides historical details of the Kwanzaa celebration and how it began. Plus, there are instructions for weaving cloth to make a belt, similar to what the seven brothers create as a result of their aforementioned task. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Seven Spools of Thread

Originally posted on December 27, 2020.

December 15, 2020

The Night Before Christmas ~ Rachel Isadora

The Night Before Christmas

Written by Rachel Isadora

Illustrated by Rachel Isadora

This is a wonderfully unique version of the beloved holiday story, The Night Before Christmas. It takes place in an African village where everyone is excited about the arrival of Santa and his reindeer. This is a captivating book, full of bright, vibrant colors. My kids were enthralled with each turn of the page! They loved seeing a Santa that looked like them! Read more >>

Buy the Book: The Night Before Christmas

Originally posted on December 15, 2010.

December 4, 2020

Santa’s Kwanzaa ~ Garen Eileen Thomas

Santa’s Kwanzaa

Written by Garen Eileen Thomas

Illustrated by Guy Francis

This is a cute book that intertwines Santa Claus and Kwanzaa, making Sant Kwaz. After leaving the last Christmas gift, the black Santa shimmies up the last chimney and heads back to the North Pole with Rudolph leading the way. Once he gets settled in at home, Santa Kwaz, his wife, and seven elves, whose names are those of the seven principles of African heritage, begin their Kwanzaa celebration! Read more >>

Buy the Book: Santa’s Kwanzaa

Originally posted on December 4, 2020.

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.

June 27, 2019

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. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Papa, Do You Love Me?

Originally posted on June 27, 2018.