
Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous Peoples and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public.
*Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL a recommendation.*
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Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness
“Will two clans in Ethiopia make peace by throwing their most precious possessions in the river? Can a poor Palestinian shepherd show a rich sultan the value of true kindness? Or will an angel in Afghanistan find a way to turn the selfish Emir into a caring ruler? Buried treasure and an act of forgiveness reunite a father and daughter in Sudan while a camel is the key to choosing a kind and fair ruler for the kingdom of Yemen. Hear the Syrian story of the woodcutter and the lion to discover the meaning of friendship, and then follow nine courageous Uighur princesses of Kashgar, as they bring peace to their kingdom – without any fighting. The importance of peace and kindness in our lives shines through these timeless, inspirational stories from seven countries, beautifully told and illustrated with empathy and humor.” — publisher

Earth, Sea & Stars: Inspiring Tales of the Natural World
“In this collection of 20 stories from many global cultures readers will journey all around Earth: across the wide savanna, into deep forests, over majestic mountains, into the ocean depths, and high into the skies above. These unique tales feature bold, adventurous characters as they sail to the moon, create the first fire, and grow orchards of friendship. The ancient wisdom in these stories resonates today more than ever, highlighting the need to care for and respect Earth.” — publisher

Dan Auta: An African Tale
“When Sarra’s parents die, they leave her with an important warning: never let Dan Auta, her little brother, cry. But Dan Auta loves to make trouble. He hitches a ride on the back of a bird, pokes the eye of the king’s son, and even pees on the king’s head. Making sure he doesn’t cry is much harder than Sarra thought! But Dan Auta’s unbridled curiosity and determination may be exactly what everyone needs: a terrible monster called the Dodo is attacking the city… and Dan Auta is the only one with the courage to take him on.” — publisher

The Hyena and the Fox
“When a fox keeps eating a farmer’s animals, he and his wife come up with a plan to get rid of him. But the clever fox has other ideas.” — publisher

The Lion’s Whisker: Sister and Brother Take on a Challenge Together
“Courage, collaboration, patience, and sibling love prevail in this folktale with its roots in the Ethiopian tradition. The Lion’s Whisker tells the story of Brother and Sister who are constantly arguing. When Grandmother sends them on a dangerous mission to pluck a lion’s whisker for her magical potion, the siblings learn valuable lessons about the strength gained by working together, being brave, and showing patience and understanding for others. This classic folktale is brought to life for today’s kids by Rebecca Sheir—creator and host of the award-winning Circle Round storytelling podcast—with the vibrant and modern folk art of Kenyan illustrator Nikita Abuya. Once kids and families have read The Lion’s Whisker, resources in the back prompt further exploration of the tale, with conversation questions and creative storytelling prompts and activities.”– 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

The Happiest Herder in the Land / Tiksituu Biyyattii Keessatti Hunda Caalaa Gammadaa Ta’e
“When a weary goat herder finds his goats leaping and dancing, he become curious. What has gotten into his frisky herd? He samples some of the red berries they’ve been eating and soon he is the happiest herder in Ethiopia! Based on a legend about the origin of coffee.” — publisher

The Happiest Herder in the Land / Ninkii Ugu Farxada Badnaa Xoolo Dhaqatada
“When a weary goat herder finds his goats leaping and dancing, he become curious. What has gotten into his frisky herd? He samples some of the red berries they’ve been eating and soon he is the happiest herder in Ethiopia! Based on a legend about the origin of coffee.” — 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

Goldilocks and the Three Rhinos: A South African Retelling
“Goldilocks was not supposed to be in the forest alone, but she didn’t always do as she was told. Join Goldilocks as she stumbles across the Rhino family’s home, unknowingly dabbling in their daily activities, and the hilarity that follows.” — publisher