Good Reads for Africa

Jambo Means Hello by Muriel Feelings, pictures by Tom Feelings /// Learn about East African culture through this captivating alphabet book. One of the hallmarks of this book is the fascinating style of the art. The original artwork for this book was prepared with only black ink, white tempera paint, and linseed oil creating a unique and dramatic effect. A Caldecott Honor Book.

Moja Means One by Muriel Feelings, pictures by Tom Feelings /// Moja, mbili, tatu, nne, tano. Want to learn to count to ten in Swahili? Along the way, you will also learn about the East African culture through the text as well as the stunning full page illustrations! Another Caldecott Honor Book.

We All Went on Safari by Laurie Krebs and Julia Cairns /// One of our favorite children’s storybooks about Africa. The cover art is a sneak peek at the striking pages inside the book!

Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlin, illustrated by Julia Cairns /// The first observation we had regarding this book was how much the illustrations reminded us of the beautiful drawings in We All Went on Safari. For good reason – they have the same illustrator! A sweet story about village life in Africa and the generous spirit of an African boy. His mother wonders how she is to provide pancakes for everyone when she has barely enough to feed her son. A universal story about the rewards of sharing. Treasures at the end of the book: notes and drawings about village, animal, and plant life in Kenya, greetings in Kiswahili, facts about Kenya, and Mama Panya’s pancake recipe! So fun!

Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams, illustrated by Catherine Stock /// For children in North America who have SO MUCH, this story gives some perspective. It is the story of how unlikely it is that a 7-year-old African boy can find enough wire to make himself a “galimoto” – a car, truck, or bicycle made out of wire. Wonderful watercolor illustrations. A Reading Rainbow book.

For You Are a Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane, art by Ana Juan /// Can you imagine waking up to the sound of a rooster instead of an alarm clock? What would it be like to eat a tasty bug for a snack instead of finding something in the fridge? Despite the differences of their lifestyles, a Kenyan child and an American kid do have something in common – they can both forget to do what their mother asked them to do!

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes /// Have you ever donated a goat or other livestock through a ministry such as World Vision or Samaritan’s Purse? This is a story based on a real boy, Kwabena Darko, and how one small hen made a big difference in his life, and in turn, the lives of others.

Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrove, pictures by Leo and Diane Dillon /// For each letter of our alphabet, the author highlights an African people and a unique custom that is part of their culture.

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema, pictures by Beatriz Vidal /// Have you ever read the old English poem “The House that Jack Built”? This is an African version of that poem. It features beautiful illustrations of life on the African plains. A Reading Rainbow Book.

One Small Square – African Savanna by Donald M. Silver, illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne /// One of our favorite series of books for kids is the One Small Square series. The premise of the books is what can you find in one small square of…. rainforest, desert, backyard, swamp, seashore, etc. So many different ecosystems covered in this series of books. Illustrations are so detailed and vivid. We have this entire set of books. In this particular book, journey to the African Savanna and discover what is found in one small square (well, in this case 20 ft. long by 20 ft. wide – animals are bigger in Africa!). This book is one part story book and one part field guide. So much is packed into the one small square of this book!

DK Eyewitness Books: Africa by Yvonne Ayo /// Hard to go wrong with a DK book! A great introduction to the diversity of African culture. Some of the topics covered include home life, weaponry, geography, slavery, African dress, religious practices and more, more, more!

Draw Grassland Animals by Doug Dubosque /// A great resource for learning to draw the animals of the grassland ecosystem.

Draw Desert Animals by Doug Dubosque /// Another resource from Doug Dubosque’s series of books – this time for desert animals. Very encouraging style of teaching with lots of repetition.

Hands-On Africa by Yvonne Y. Merrill /// Very dramatic projects included in this book.  Lots of fun to use if you are going deep in your study of the African culture.

An Elephant Grows Up by Anastasia Suen, Illustrations by Michael L. Denman and William J. Huiett /// This is one of six picture books in a series in which the author describes the physical development and typical behaviors of baby animals from birth to adulthood. Lots of really cool (and sometimes gross) animal facts included. A really sweet set of books with endearing illustrations. Great for an elementary-aged child.

A Hippopotamus Grows Up by Anastasia Suen, Illustrated by Michael L. Denman and William J. Huiett /// Find out what happens as a baby hippopotamus grows up in this book filled with beautiful illustrations and surprising hippo facts.

A Lion Grows Up by Anastasia Suen, Illustrations by Michael L. Denman and William J. Juiett /// Another winner in this sweet series of books.

A Baboon Grows Up by Anastasia Suen, Illustrations by Michael L. Denman and William J. Juiett /// Follow a baby baboon as he grows up in the East African forest.

{Answers in Genesis Books}

Marvels of Creation: Magnificent Mammals by Buddy and Kay Davis /// Did you know that leopards can jump the highest of all the land animals – 18 feet! Did you know that 25,000 sharp-pointed quills cover the porcupine? Did you know that a hippopotamus’ skin is 5 inches thick? This book is filled with fascinating facts on 30 “magnificent mammals” and full color photos of each.

Marvels of Creation: Breathtaking Birds by Buddy and Kay Davis /// Did you know that the knees of the flamingo are really the ankles and bend backwards when the bird sits down? Many more fascinating facts about “breathtaking birds” that cause you to marvel at God’s creation indeed! Another winner from the folks at AIG!

Marvels of Creation: Sensational Sea Creatures by Buddy and Kay Davis /// Did you know that a giant squid’s eye can measure up to nine inches across? Did you know that salmon can live in fresh-water or saltwater? Fascinating facts on 30 “sensational sea creatures” found here. Again, full color photos of each and information written from a Biblical world view.

The Biography of Sugar by Rachel Eagen /// What was the world like before sugar? Find out how the human desire for sweets made a tropical grass into a valuable commodity around the world. With the use of colorful images and maps, The Biography of Sugar details how sugar grows, which countries produce it, and the sour history of slavery and exploitation that surrounded its early production.

The Biography of Chocolate by Adrianna Morganelli /// You will love learning how the ancient Aztecs created a special drink from the bitter beans of the cacao tree and how those beans later became the delectable treat known as chocolate. Mouthwatering pictures illustrate this examination of one of the world’s favorite commodities.

The Biography of Cotton by Carrie Gleason /// From plant to t-shirt, this intriguing new book follows the history of this natural fiber from its earliest beginnings in Pakistan and Peru to its world-wide use today. Color photos and maps describe the plant itself as well as where and how it is produced. Historic black and white images help tell the real story of the early cotton trade highlighting slavery, child labor, and the manufacturing process.

The Biography of Vanilla by Julie Karner /// While chocolate steals all the glory, vanilla is the scent and flavor that people cannot seem to live without. Discover the rich history of this orchid bean used in such products as candy, ice cream, soft drinks, medicines, and yes, even chocolate! Maps, illustrations, and full-color photos follow the vanilla bean’s journey from its discovery by the ancient civilizations of Mexico, to Europe where its flavorful secrets remained a mystery to Europeans even 300 years after they first encountered it.

The Biography of Spices by Ellen Rodger /// Empires were made from the growth and sale of spices and the age of discovery was launched in pursuit of them. Exciting text and historic images explain to children how spices were used to cure the sick, flavor foods, and make perfume.

The Biography of Wool by Carrie Gleason /// The history of wool is not simply the history of a product that people wear, but a history of farming, human migration, and manufacturing. This intriguing new book tells the story of one of the world’s first fibers, shorn from sheep, carded into wool, and spun into cloth since as early as 1500 B.C. From early sailors to today’s astronauts, woolen clothing remains a popular choice for protection from the elements.

The Biography of Coffee by Adrianna Morganelli /// Next to petroleum, coffee beans are the second most valuable commodity traded in the world. You will be fascinated to learn how this popular product is grown, harvested, processed, and sold. Find out where coffee plants originated from and how coffee was spread around the world.

The Biography of Bananas by Rachel Eagen /// The Biography of Bananas reveals the murky past and uncertain future of the tasty banana. Almost unknown in North America before the 1870s, bananas quickly became a popular fruit with a rocky history. Colorful photographs and maps help explain who grows your bananas, how they are harvested, and why the banana may soon become extinct.

Missionary Stories with the Millers by Mildred A. Martin /// Included are stories of well-known missionaries as well as stories of men and women known mostly to God.  They highlight the varied gifts and talents God can use in His Kingdom.  They are just the right sort of stories to educate and captivate someone who is elementary-aged.

C.T. Studd: No Retreat by Janet and Geoff Benge /// Endowed with rare determination and a wry sense of humor, C.T. Studd unceasingly pursued a life devoted to God. A star English cricket player in his youth, C.T. did nothing halfway. When challenged by near tragedy and the words of an atheist, the wealthy young man became a missionary of extreme devotion.

Serving in China, India, and finally Central Africa, C.T. Studd was the first missionary to reach numerous tribes deep in the Congo. Together with the mission he founded Worldwide Evangelization Crusade. This man, who refused to retreat, opened a way for Africans to hear the gospel for years to come. (1860-1931)

David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer by Janet and Geoff Benge /// With the heart of an explorer and the passion of an evangelist, David Livingstone mapped vast, unexplored areas of Africa, sharing the gospel with whomever he encountered. His stamina, perseverance, and dogged determination created the legacy of a trailblazing explorer with an undying hunger to make Christ known wherever his steps led him.

David Livingstone’s captivating adventures and tireless zeal continue to inspire countless men and women to bring the gospel message of God’s love to those souls who have never heard. (1813-1873)

Betty Greene: Wings to Serve by Janet and Geoff Benge /// As a young girl growing up on the shores of Lake Washington, Betty Greene had two passions: a love for Christ and a love of flying. As a young World War II WASP pilot, Betty dreamed of combining her two passions by using wings to serve God. Betty’s dream became reality when she helped found the Mission Aviation Fellowship. Her faith-filled adventures and faithful service helped create what is today a global ministry that operates over eighty aircraft in nineteen countries. (1920-1997)

Lillian Trasher: The Greatest Wonder in Egypt by Janet and Geoff Benge /// When Lillian Trasher founded Egypt’s first orphanage, others thought that a lone American woman with no means of support would surely be killed or starve to death. But Lillian – certain of God’s guidance – stood by her earlier promise to Him: “If ever I can do anything for You, just let me know – and I’ll do it.”

In the midst of poverty, war, and deadly epidemics, Lillian faced each day with a heart of trust, modeling the life she hoped her children would someday live in their own homes. During fifty tumultuous years, the Mother of the Nile cared for thousands of desperate children with unwavering faith that God does indeed look after the orphans. (1887-1961)

Mary Slessor: Forward into Calabar by Janet and Geoff Benge /// For thirty-nine years, Mary Slessor would labor in love among the unreached, often treacherous tribes of Africa’s Calabar region. Braving sickness, danger, and death on all sides, Mary became the cherished “White Ma” to entire tribes. Her faith, steadfastness, and pioneering spirit brought her beloved adopted people their first brilliant, contrasting example of the life and freedom found in Jesus Christ.

Mary Slessor’s story in an ageless epic of a woman who would stop at nothing to reach the lost with the life-giving gospel of Christ. (1848-1915)

Rowland Bingham: Into Africa’s Interior by Janet and Geoff Benge /// At age twenty, Rowland Bingham committed himself to serving not only in Africa, known as “the white man’s grave,” but in Africa’s Sudan interior, where few missionaries had ventured and those who did soon died of disease or retreated in defeat.

Experienced missionaries told Rowland that his dream was impossible. But when he found himself the sole surviving member of the fledgling Sudan Interior Mission, he didn’t give up – neither did God. In an amazing story of vision and faith, God used this willing servant to open a way for the gospel’s light to shine on millions of people once thought beyond reach. (1872-1942)

Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Hermon Viola /// A fascinating insider’s view into another culture. It is the simply written memoir of Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton’s life as a nomadic Maasai boy growing up in Kenya.  Note: there is one chapter with sensitive information about how Maasai boys are initiated into manhood!