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Authors: Kurtz, Jane.

A Welcome in Axum / Taq̄abālit gāšā zexonat ʼAxsum

2021

by Jane. Kurtz and Alex Regassa

"Axum, an ancient Ethiopian city, once rivaled Persia and Rome in wealth and influence. It was a trade hub through which precious metals, silks and ideas fueled a thriving economy and vibrant culture. A series of fair-minded Ethiopian Kings offered peoples of many faiths to find sanctuary from threats abroad, and for centuries Christians, Muslims and Jews have shared Axum in peace. For thousands of years, Ethiopia has been known around the world as a land of justice and wisdom. Share this heart-warming tale of religious tolerance with your young reader." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Football Fun / Ṣawatā Kuʻeso ʼegri

2021

by Jane. Kurtz, Margi Brown, Judah Gerards, Caroline Greger, Rowan Schmitt and students from Findley Elementary School

"Take a closer look at Ethiopia’s national obsession through the eyes of the children who love to play football (soccer) in the fields and streets of Ethiopia. Like the self-described “football fanatics” who cheer on the national team, the Walia Antelopes, many Ethiopians enjoy playing for fun with friends and neighbors around East Africa. It is as much a social activity as a recreational one, and it is shared widely among the children of Ethiopia. " -- publisher

Any Child

Girls Grow Up: Ethiopia’s Fabulous Females in Amharic and English

2021

by Jane. Kurtz and Brenda Porter

"From Isabella Tewodros, the youngest scuba diver in the world, to Yetnebersh Nigussie, the blind Ethiopian lawyer fighting for equality and human rights, Ethiopia has produced some amazing girls and women. Some of them will become pilots and scientists, others will excel in sports or music, and still others will become teachers, farmers, mothers, leaders, business owners or artists. But no matter what they grow up to be, Ethiopian girls are full of incredible potential and deserve our appreciation and support. " -- publisher

Informational

Girls Grow Up: Ethiopia’s Fabulous Females in Tigrinya and English

2021

by Jane. Kurtz and Brenda Porter

"From Isabella Tewodros, the youngest scuba diver in the world, to Yetnebersh Nigussie, the blind Ethiopian lawyer fighting for equality and human rights, Ethiopia has produced some amazing girls and women. Some of them will become pilots and scientists, others will excel in sports or music, and still others will become teachers, farmers, mothers, leaders, business owners or artists. But no matter what they grow up to be, Ethiopian girls are full of incredible potential and deserve our appreciation and support." -- publisher

Informational

Help! : Shared Effort Leads to Shared Rewards in Afaan Oromo and English

2021

by Caroline Kurtz, Jane. Kurtz, Rebekah Mitsein and Beth Neel

"In this Ethiopian spin on a classic Russian folk tale, an old woman discovers that even the smallest helper can solve a big problem! When she plants her crops, she doesn’t expect to grow a carrot so big that she cannot pull it out. Luckily, she has many animal friends to help her, and she will need all of them to harvest her crop, even the tiniest mouse! A sweet look at how shared efforts lead to shared rewards. Side by side text in English and Ethiopian languages like Amharic, Tigrinya and Afaan Oromo help emerging bilingual readers build vocabulary and fluency. Captivating collages bring the story to life and support vocabulary with clear visual references and engaging pictures. Part of the Ready, Set, Go! series of bilingual early readers. Part of Open Hearts Big Dreams mission to increase literacy in Ethiopian languages." -- publisher

Any Child

Not Ready! / ʻāq̄emi zaymaṭana serāḥ!

2021

by Ellemae Goering, Noh Goering, Jane. Kurtz and Gina DaCruz

"Oh no, Donkey won't go! In "Not Ready!", a stubborn donkey refuses to work.In both Ethiopia and the United States, people use a proverb-"Don't put the cart before the horse"-to describe how unfortunate life can turn out when something is being done too hastily or in the wrong order. When Jane Kurtz asked her grandson, Noh Goering, whether he knew any idioms or proverbs, he said, "Don't get the cart before the donkey." Since Ethiopia has more donkeys than any other country, they decided to team up and write a story about one who ends up behind the cart. Since 1994, The Donkey Sanctuary has been providing free vet clinics and educating Ethiopians about how to care for their hard-working animals who help thousands of families with every day chores." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

One Big Job / Ḥāda Kabid Serāḥ

2021

by Caroline Kurtz, Jane. Kurtz and Jordy Farrell

“Ethiopians have used cattle to plow the earth for over 7,000 years, a practice that has inspired generations of terets, or wise sayings. In One Big Job we learn what happens when an imaginative young Ethiopian boy pairs an elephant and an ox on his plow. Does it work as well as he expects?” — publisher

Beautiful Life

The Party / Affeerraa

2021

by Jane. Kurtz, Mati Glynn and Lucy Kaufholz

"As an Ethiopian family prepares for a party, the house is full of relatives and excitement. Little girls try to sit still as older family members braid their hair according to tradition and diverse cultural tastes. A sweet tale of female bonding through mutual beautification with a look at some of the traditions and styles that make Ethiopian culture so unique and beautiful. Side by side bilingual text supports emerging readers in developing vocabulary and fluency." -- publisher

Beautiful Life Race/Culture Concepts

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