Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public. *Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL a recommendation.* Click here for more on book evaluation.
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A Welcome in Axum / Taq̄abālit gāšā zexonat ʼAxsum
"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
Andromeda, Princess of Ethiopia / ʼItyap̣yāwitwa Leʻelt ʼAndromédā
"Since the beginning of humanity, Ethiopia was the origin of some of the most remarkable and important people in history. The bones of one of the first hominids, Lucy, were found in Ethiopia, and stories of legendary Ethiopians stretch back into ancient history. Some of these legends were so famous that they were recorded in ancient Greek Mythology. One of these is the story of the daughter of ancient Ethiopian King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia: Princess Andromeda. Andromeda’s beauty was so renowned that it ignited the jealousy of Poseidon, who sent a great sea monster to devour her. But her plight inspired the Greek hero Perseus to intervene in her rescue, and then to marry her. Their story of love and hardship was immortalized as constellations which are still visible in Ethiopian night skies." -- publisher
Football Fun / Ṣawatā Kuʻeso ʼegri
"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
Gloria’s Porridge
"Gloria is making a delicious porridge, but she's too hungry to share it with the cat. When Gloria goes to fetch some water, cat eats all the porridge . Angry Gloria shakes her spoon at the cat, and the scared cat runs away, starting a chaos around her. A retelling of an Ethiopian folktale by acclaimed author, Elizabeth Laird." -- publisher
Joy-Grace and the Dress Dilemma
"Shout Mouse Press's latest series, Beyond Borders, features bilingual children's books centering the stories of immigrant youth by immigrant youth. The 2021 series is authored by program participants of the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, DC, representing eight countries around the world. Joy-Grace is a fashionista, and this week is her school's culture day. She wants to bring in a garment to reflect her background, but there's only one problem: her family is from Nigeria, Jamaica, AND Ethiopia! Will Joy-Grace be able to find the perfect dress to celebrate all of who she is in time for culture day?" -- publisher
Let’s Play Football / Kubbaa Miilaa Haa Taphannu
"Ethiopia’s most popular sport is football. This early-reader book shows what happens when a unique group of characters come to play football, with each bringing a very important set of skills." -- publisher
Letter From a Plow Nation / Xalayaa Biyya Qonnaan Bultootarraa Ergame
"Ethiopia writes a letter to her people in this heart-rending look at the majestic history and uncertain future of this ancient plow nation. It is the source of the Nile, coffee and teff; it is a land of tolerance and diversity. But this cradle of civilization has suffered much upheaval and faces environmental challenges from climate change and human activity that threaten its future. Written by respected Ethiopian scholar Dr Worku Mulat and illustrated by brilliant Ethiopian artist Daniel Getahun, this love letter from a nation to her people is both inspiring and heart-breaking." -- publisher
Mamas (English and Tigrinya)
"Vibrant watercolor illustrations capture the beauty and color of Mamas’ daily routines in this touching tribute to mothers in Ethiopia and beyond. Most of the illustrations were inspired by photographs taken in the Harari region of Ethiopia. The historic walled city of Harar itself is located in the eastern part of Ethiopia and sits atop a hill. In 2006 Harar was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the fourth holy city of Islam. Also deemed the city of saints, Christian and Muslim families have lived peacefully side by side in the city for centuries. Women play many important roles in Harari culture and enjoy robust social lives built around friendship and kinship. Harari women work inside and outside of their homes as farmers, merchants and weavers in addition to traditional household roles. Women also work in labor and service, education and medicine." -- publisher
Not Ready! / ʻāq̄emi zaymaṭana serāḥ!
"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
Sign To Me / Afaan Mallattootiin Natti Dubbadhaa
"When a young Ethiopian boy is born deaf, his family and friends struggle to communicate with him. But when a cousin who learned sign language comes to visit, she helps him fill the house with laughter and joy, and the whole family learns how much better and brighter life is when everyone is included. This tender tale of empathy and inclusion shows how beautiful and special all kids regardless of their different abilities and why inclusion that comes from being able to communicate through sign education is so important and life-changing. " -- publisher