Children's Picture Books: Stories set in Ethiopia

How Kids Celebrate Christmas Around the World

2021

by Pavla Hanáčková, Karolina Medková and Mária Nerádová

"Who brings Christmas presents in Italy? Where can we sunbathe on the beach on Christmas Day? Why do Russians celebrate Christmas in January? Everyone loves Christmas! But have you ever considered that Christmas might be celebrated elsewhere in the world in another way? What is the typical Christmas dish in Japan? Would you like to spend Christmas day in Ethiopia? Which goodies are always present on festive tables in Greece? On our journey together you’ll learn lots of interesting things about the year’s most beautiful holiday." -- publisher

How Kids Celebrate Holidays Around the World

2021

by Pavla Hanáčková, Helena Haraštová and Michaela Bergmannová

"This series takes young readers to different parts of the world, showing a wide range of cultures and traditions. See how varied the world is! Are you curious how people make merry in other countries? Good company, great food and drink, and most importantly, lots of fun—we all like celebrating holidays! But have you ever wondered how people spend holidays across the world? Together we’ll join in with many celebrations, all of them different. What’s Halloween like in Ireland, and Timkat in Ethiopia? What are the customs observed at Hanukkah? You’ll make new friends who’ll tell you all about their culture. Ready to explore? It’s party time all over the world!" -- publisher

Let’s Make Kolo! : How to Make Ethiopia’s Favorite Snack in Amharic and English

2021

by Elizabeth Spor Taylor

"Young friends teach us how to make kolo in this simple, informative cookbook for young bilingual readers. Colorful paintings of the tools and ingredients needed to make this beloved snack of Ethiopians of all ages. Side by side dual language text in Amharic and English support emerging bilingual readers with developing vocabulary and identifying key words. Step by step instructions with colorful pictures are easy to follow and fun to learn. Sweet or spicy, kolo is a delicious part of Ethiopian culture and commerce." -- publisher

Let’s Play Football / Kubbaa Miilaa Haa Taphannu

2021

by April Phillips

"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

2021

by Worku L. Mulat and Daniel Getahun

"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)

2021

by Elizabeth Spor Taylor

"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!

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

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

Sign To Me / Afaan Mallattootiin Natti Dubbadhaa

2021

by Ellenore Angelidis, Meseret Tekle and Eyayu Genet

"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

Sign To Me / Bameleket Qwānqwā ʼAweruñ

2021

by Ellenore Angelidis, Meseret Tekle and Eyayu Genet