Children's Books About Africa

Kids are naturally inquisitive and curious, so why not teach them about different cultures while they are still young and eager to learn? We've chosen three acclaimed children's books about Africa that will get kids interested in African culture and heritage.
We'd also love to hear some suggestions of other great children's books about Africa, so please leave us a comment with your favourites!

Bringing Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema (ages 5+) 

The story of how Ki-pat ingeniously brings rain to the arid Kapiti Plain. "Cumulative rhyming tale with the rhythm and repetition of The House That Jack Built . . . Illustrations are stylized, simple, and dramatic."- School Library Journal.

We All Went on Safari by Laurie Krebs (ages 5+)

Join Arusha, Mosi, Tumpe and their Maasai friends as they set out on a counting journey through the grasslands of Tanzania. Along the way, the children encounter all sorts of animals including elephants, lions and monkeys, while counting from one to ten in both English and Swahili. The lively, rhyming text is accompanied by an illustrated guide to counting in Swahili, a map, notes about each of the animals, and interesting facts about Tanzania and the Maasai people. - Amazon.com


Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott (ages 4+)

Anansi the Spider is one of the great folk heroes of the world. He is a rogue, a mischief-maker, and a wise, lovable creature who triumphs over larger foes.

In this traditional Ashanti tale, Anansi sets out on a long, difficult journey. Threatened by Fish and Falcon, he is saved from terrible fates by his sons. But which of his sons should Anansi reward? Calling upon Nyame, the God of All Things, Anansi solves his predicament in a touching and highly resourceful fashion.

In adapting this popular folktale, Gerald McDermott merges the old with the new, combining bold, rich color with traditional African design motifs and authentic Ashanti language rhythms. - Amazon.com