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Wise and Foolish: A Parable in English and Amharic
"When older brother chooses a location to build his home, his father calls him foolish. But older brother is stubborn and builds his home there anyway. With the help of his community, older brother works hard and the home is built. But when the rains come and wash his home away, older brother must learn from his foolish mistake. Will he be wise enough to build a sturdier home on a more solid foundation?" -- publisher
We Are Better Together
"Some friends can walk, some friends cannot. Some friends can hear, some friends can sign. Some friends can see, some friends can sing. Whatever our abilities or differences, we can share the beauty that surrounds us, together. Friendship is not limited by what our bodies can or cannot do; it is only limited by the size of our hearts. When we expand our hearts to include others regardless of their differences, we help make our communities more inclusive. The more inclusive the community, the more opportunities for every member of the community to thrive and grow to meet their potential. We truly are better together, no matter how different we may seem at first glance. This sweet tale of inclusiveness and acceptance is full of bright illustrations by Ethiopian artist Daniel Aklilu." -- publisher
Market Day
"The vibrant beauty and exotic flavors of Ethiopia are on full display in its markets, which include the largest market in Africa. Like the sprawling Mercato in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian markets are more than just places to shop: these thriving hubs of commerce are also where Ethiopians go to visit with old friends, to play, to eat and to sell products from their gardens, orchards and farms. Children love the sights and sounds of the busy caravans piled high with fruits, vegetables, textiles and grains. Markets in Ethiopia are important cultural events and vital to the thriving trade routes that bring everything from coffee to camels to families in Africa and beyond. Colorful watercolor illustrations bring the market to life in rich detail and dual language text in English and Afaan Oromo supports emerging readers and students of indigenous Ethiopian languages. Ready Set Go Books, an Open Hearts Big Dreams Project, is focused on increasing the literacy rate in Ethiopia through giving readers books with stories in their heart languages, full of colorful illustrations with Ethiopian settings and details. Profits from books sales will be used to create, print, and distribute more Ready Set Go Books to kids in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country. Ethiopia’s population is 44% children, ages 0-14 (43 million out of 97 million total). Only 5.5% of children attend pre-school or kindergarten, and the adult literacy rate is 49%. Our books are based on wise Ethiopian sayings that often rhyme in Amharic. If an adult says the first half, many children can chant the second half. Sometimes the meaning of these sayings is clear. Sometimes it has to be puzzled out and argued over. But sayings and idioms and proverbs help people express truths and beliefs in unusual ways. Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund (OHBD) is a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization that believes the chance to dream big dreams should not depend on where in the world you are born. Our focus is to support nonprofit organizations and their programs that provide literacy, K-12 education, and leadership as well as that support the parents and communities where the kids live, in Ethiopia." -- publisher
Together
"Together or alone, the beautiful and diverse peoples of Ethiopia play and pray, walk and work, dance and smile in their own ways. Inspired by a popular Ethiopian teret and filled with vibrant watercolor portraits that detail the many gorgeous styles within Ethiopian culture, there are many reasons why people say that if you need to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. Side by side text in Ethiopian languages like Amharic, Tigrinya and Afaan Oromo (with English) helps emerging bilingual readers develop vocabulary and build fluency. Part of our Ready, Set, Go! series of early readers in indigenous Ethiopian languages. Ready Set Go Books, an Open Hearts Big Dreams Project, is focused on increasing the literacy rate in Ethiopia through giving readers books with stories in their heart languages, full of colorful illustrations with Ethiopian settings and details. Profits from book sales are used to create, print, and distribute more Ready Set Go Books to kids in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country. Ethiopia’s population is 44% children, ages 0-14 (43 million out of 97 million total). Only 5.5% of children attend pre-school or kindergarten, and the adult literacy rate is 49%. Our books are based on wise Ethiopian sayings that often rhyme in Amharic. If an adult says the first half, many children can chant the second half. Sometimes the meaning of these sayings is clear. Sometimes it has to be puzzled out and argued over. But sayings and idioms and proverbs help people express truths and beliefs in unusual ways. Since late 2017, OHBD has published over 100 unique #ReadySetGo dual language titles in three Ethiopian languages plus English and has plans to publish another 100 titles and add more languages in the coming years. New titles and/or languages are added monthly; follow our author page to get new release announcements. Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund (OHBD) is a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization that believes the chance to dream big dreams should not depend on where in the world you are born. Our mission is to inspire and enable youth in Ethiopia through READY SET GO books, STEM and Innovation Projects in collaboration with individuals and organizations providing literacy, education, and leadership opportunities." -- publisher
La Llorona Can’t Scare Me / La Llorona no me asusta
"Little Damian is getting ready for bed, and the spooky monster called La Llorona is hollering up a storm outside his bedroom window. But he's not afraid. "You can't scare me, silly Llorona," says Damian, "and neither can your monster friends!" When evil-looking witch owls fly around his room and little green duendes, or goblins, make creepy noises under his bed, he's still not frightened. Not even a little bit. The Donkey Lady, a chupacabras and even some little devils parade through his room, but Damian still isn't afraid. A witch casting spells, a ghost rattling its chains, a cucuy with a burlap bag to catch him … nada. None of them can terrify brave little Damian. How can a little boy like him be so fearless?!? No one knows it, but Damian has a secret weapon: a night light shaped like a mighty wrestler wearing a silver mask. When he plugs it in, its bright light terrifies all the monsters and sends them running for a place to hide! Touching on issues such as bedtime rituals and nighttime terrors, children ages 4-8 will enjoy this entertaining story that features creepy creatures familiar to many Hispanic kids." -- publisher
Jack & Agyu
"Jack and Agyu tells the story of a child who loves to read but doesn't see himself in the books he finds at the library. He sets out to fix what he believes is the problem and gets into trouble. With help from his family and faithful beagle, he reconnects with Agyu, a Filipino-Bukidnon epic hero, and discovers wondrous creatures and daring stories, as well as a sense of belonging." -- publisher
The Star Festival
As five-year-old Keiko and her eighty-five year old Obi, or grandmother, excitedly prepare to celebrate the Star Festival, Tanabata Matsuri, Obi tells the story of Tanabata. Includes information about the festival and how it is celebrated
Snow White
"The pure Snow White and the poisonous Stepmother are back in this well-crafted retelling of the classic fairy tale. Involving the power of a djinn, poisoned dates, seven dwarf sisters-in-faith, and a mysterious old peddler woman in the woods wearing a face veil, this lyrically told story offers a unique twist on this fairy tale, whilst keeping the classic much-loved story intact, including a hateful and vain stepmother, a considerate huntsman, and a charming prince. Set in the heady snow-strewn woodlands of Anatolia by the illustrator Shireen Adams, this tale of flight, friendship, and forgiveness is richly detailed and beautifully brought to life. Snow White is the second book in the Islamic Fairy Tales series, which looks to offer meaningful and faithful variants of these popular worldwide stories." -- publisher
Chinese new year wishes
"It is Hong's favorite time of the year. His whole family celebrates. It is the Chinese New Year. In this beautifully illustrated book, children aged 2 to 6 will follow Hong as he and his family prepare for and celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival. They will also enjoy reading the story behind the most important celebration in Chinese culture. More interesting facts and questions for discussion are included at the back of the book. Written in English and Chinese, Chinese New Year Wishes is perfect as an early reader or to read aloud." -- back cover
Moon festival wishes
"The moon is big and round tonight. Today is a special day for Mei and her family. It is the Chinese Moon Festival. In this beautifully illustrated book, children aged 2 to 6 will follow Mei as she and her family prepare for and celebrate the Moon or the Mid-autumn Festival. They will also enjoy reading the story behind one of the most important Chinese celebrations. Written in English and Chinese, Moon Festival Wishes is perfect as an early reader or to read aloud." --Back cover