Matt and I have been hunting for some good books for our kids….there are all kinds out there. I found some great kid’s books that I just had to share on the blog.
“Brown Like Me”: The little girl, Noelle, is an African American adoptee raised in a Caucasian family. She identifies the color of brown in everything around her – brown leaves, brown sand, brown eyes, and brown skin – ending with the words, “I am strong brown.” It is easy to reinforce this concept by finding brown with your child in their everyday world.
“African Princess”: Six examples of African feminine royalty are showcased in chronological order, from pre-Christian times to the modern era. Each of the women focused was representative of her time, yet she showed a foresight and independence that made her stand out from her contemporaries. The text by former schoolteacher Joyce Hansen, along with Laurie McGraw’s superb illustrations, makes for a captivating and inspiring read for youngsters, female and male. It also should be noted that the book should be shared with all children for there still remains some misconceptions in the general public about Africa, even to this day.
“Ashanti to Zulu”: This book presents 26 African tribes, from A to Z, and lets children learn something about the culture and customs of each one. Aside from being a learning experience, the book is visually eye-popping; the illustrations are so gorgeous you’ll want to blow them up and frame them. The book won a well-deserved Caldecott Medal for the best illustrated children’s book of 1977. It’s a great book for helping children to learn about some of the peoples of our least-known populated continent, and the pictures will hold the kids mesmerized. It’s a volume that belongs on every youngsters bookshelf.
I was born in Jos, Nigeria many years ago. I spent the next nineteen years living in Liberia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Mel and Matt. Very cool that you are looking out for kids’ reading material that explores other cultures and colors and ways of being the world. I would love to read the books you have posted here — and now you’ve given me a new thing to be on the look out for. Like a treasure hunt! Thinking of you and praying for you in these days as you figure out Caroline’s health situation. Love you much! Shelly
thanks for the suggestions! i have added them to our ever growing list…
hope you all have a wonderful christmas!