Early Years (ages 2-6)

Walking Through The Jungle

As she walks through the jungle, floats in the ocean, and treks in the desert on her way around the world, a daring young traveler spies nothing alarming — at first. But what’s that lurking in the jungle bush? Or hiding at the bottom of the river? Or coiled up near the cactus? A pleasure to pore over, the boisterously colored artwork captures a world of creatures large and small — and mostly well-behaved — from a variety of intriguing habitats. Very simply written and perfectly pitched for chanting along, the rhyming text is also ideally suited for emerging readers.

The Shopping Basket

While walking home from the store, a young boy is faced with menacing creatures, such as a scary bear and an unpleasant kangaroo, all attempting to get what is in his basket, but he keeps his wits about him and manages to get himself and his items home safely.

The Lion Is No Longer King

The King of Beasts loses his crown. This African folktale begins a long time ago, when the lion declares himself king of beasts. The entire animal population of the savanna pays daily respects to a roaring tyrant who works them ragged and allows them no rest.His Majesty’s fearless bodyguard, the mongoose, protects the king from snakes, until one day the mongoose decides instead to play in the babbling stream. Outraged, the king sends two birds, a buffalo and a turtle to fetch him for the purpose of sever punishment. The mongoose explains that all of the animals would be happier if they could play and swim as they wish. The king grows weak from nightmares and finally scurries across the savanna to see the mongoose. The lion arrives just in time to witness the coronation of the new king, the mongoose, who plans to share the pleasures of the savanna with all of the celebrating animals.

Uncommon Traveler: Mary Kingsley In Africa

In 1870, an eight-year-old girl named Mary Kingsley lived in a small house on a lonely lane outside London, England. Her mother was bedridden and her father was rarely home. Mary did not go to school. She served as housekeeper, handyman, nursemaid, and servant, for years. In 1893 Mary traveled to West Africa and proceeded to embark on an astonishing journey of discovery. In her high-necked blouse, long skirt, and Victorian boots, she endured the brutal heat and hardships of Africa, and thrived

Trouble

A retelling of a traditional Eritrean tale in which a young goatherd disobeys his father by inadvertently trading away the board game that was supposed to keep him out of trouble.

Ndito Runs

Every day many children in Kenya run miles to school–so does Ndito. From her village in the highlands she runs barefoot, across ridges and down hills, under baobab trees and through tall grass