Thanks for joining us for our 10 Books in 10 Minutes Facebook Live Event! Sharing stories from around the world is an amazing gift to give any child. Putting the world in a young mind’s hands is one of the best ways to create productive, understanding adults. Books like this allow readers to develop life skills like empathy, cultural understanding, and a global sense of self. These books about Africa do just that!
TGC strives to connect travelers with quality literature and media that allows the curiosity in all of us to thrive. More importantly, the most powerful tool we have to be the best travelers we can be, regardless of our age, is gobal literacy. So, for more great reads and connections to travel and culture, click here! Note that some of the links below are affiliate links. I only recommend products & brands I love and that I think you would love, too!
Bringing The Rain To Kapiti Plain
Today’s featured pick welcomes you to a wonderful tale of adventure as our hero Ki-Pat helps his fellow villagers find rainy relief on Kapiti Plain. The animals need help and Ki-Pat knows he needs to do something to help. Each verse and illustration brings to life his creative solution to this seasonal African problem. Bringing The Rain To Kapiti Plain allows young minds to fall in love with all that Sub-saharan Africa has to offer.
This is the perfect book to start understanding what this area of the world focuses on and provides a small glimpse into the undeniable pull of the African culture. I sometimes think that the book provides a great launch for a fruitful conversation. Why does Ki-Pat only stand with one foot? Can all the animals be together like that in real life? If the arrow is part of a tale, what happens when there is no rain in Africa? Enjoy this delightfully crafted folk tale that will bring out the global citizen in all the travelers you know- both big and small.
Under The Baobab Tree
How does a tree become the heart and soul of a community? Read this great pick to find out. This sweet story gives a great insight into current communities in Africa. What a great talking point!
We All Went on Safari
This sweet counting book is perfect for young ones to familiarize themselves with some of the locals. With great illustrations and a read aloud cadence, this picture safari is a perfect way to practice exploring and looking at the scene in front of you.
Nat Geo’s Kid’s Guide To Photography
If you are looking at a trip to Africa, photography is sure to be at the top of your list. In true Nat Geo form, this book is jam packed with tip after tip and idea after idea. I literally took this book and a camera and put it in the hands of a few students. It was magical! With easy to read articles about photography basics and interesting tips about theme, this read is perfect for the creative kid in your life!
The Water Princess
Life is lived differently all over the world and knowing that one fact is an important life lesson. This water princess shows how getting water is far more challenging than most realize. Our princess also shares how they take this ever present task and make it a part of their lives.
One Plastic Bag
What can one plastic bag impact? It turns out quite a lot! Follow the story of plastic bags in Gambia to learn about their journey from appreciated to nuisance and beyond. Expect this problem to bring on a great solution to one of our world’s biggest problems.
I Am Jane Goodall and The Watcher
The matriarch of the chimp world has been spending her time promoting environmentalism through her Roots and Shoots program. These lovely books do a great job of relating Jane’s story to a new generation. Both are perfect reads to start units on endangered species and animal research.
Mama Miti
Based on the true story of Wangari Maathai and her quest to replant the trees of Kenya and turn her country into the lush jungle it once was. By teaching about what trees can do for humans, Mama Miti shows why caring for them is worth everyone’s time.
Mandela
Knowing about Nelson Mandela and the story of apartheid allows young minds to realize how knowing about the past can affect how we determine our future. Start the conversation with this well thought out text and beautiful illustrations.
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