My husband is heading to Africa this month for a volunteer work project in Uganda and Kenya. So I planned to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce our toddler to this incredible continent by reading him picture books based in Africa. Easier said than done.
Fortunately, I came across We All Went on Safari, A Counting Journey through Tanzania written by Laurie Krebs and illustrated by Julia Cairns. This wonderful rhyming picture book takes readers on safari through Tanzania with a Maasai family. The colorful illustrations beautifully recreate the vast valleys and plains of the Serengetti and the striking dress of the Maasai. I especially appreciate that the children are the stars of the story as they count up to ten different animals in both English and Swahili.
My favorite part, however, is the abundance of back matter — a map of Tanzania, details about the Maasai people, background on Swahili names and information about African wild animals. There is so much to discuss and learn in this seemingly simple book. It’s a wonderful introduction to Tanzania, a place that is likely unfamiliar beyond the fascinating animals.
We All Went on Safari was published right after I went on safari in Tanzania but if it had been available, I would have purchased copies for all the children on my gift list. Although I’m still on the search for books about Uganda and Kenya, I’d definitely recommend this book for toddlers and preschoolers as a great way to introduce them to Tanzania.
Do you know of any other picture books based in Africa? Suggestions are always welcome!
P.S. For a bit of background on the new blog feature World Book Reviews, check out the introduction post.
We All Went on Safari, A Counting Journey through Tanzania
Laurie Krebs and Julia Cairns
978-1841481197
Available at Amazon.
Stephanie Ward 
Give up, Gecko! (http://amzn.to/1EFDeTb) and Beatrice’s Goat (http://amzn.to/1EFDdyD) look like real winners for Uganda, and Mama Panya’s Pancakes (http://amzn.to/1zgbYuf) and Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa (http://amzn.to/1GKhdoI) for Kenya. I also like the series If You Were Me and Lived in …….: A Child’s Introduction to Cultures around the World. Book 5 is about Kenya: (http://amzn.to/1EFDz8w)
I love the book you shared about here, and I hope your husband has a great and safe trip! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday!
Tina
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Hi Tina. Thanks so much for these recommendations. I’ll be sure to check them out. Looking forward to the next Booknificent Thursday 🙂 Best, Stephanie
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Having been to Tanzania and on Safari, I look forward to reading this and will share it with my grandsons. I always enjoy reading your reviews, Stephanie, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book.
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Looks like a great book! I love it when foreign cultures are tackled in English kidlit in such a way that it honors and celebrates the culture, instead of just staring at it a little, like a tourist. Sounds like this one fit the bill! 🙂 That’s awesome that your husband is getting involved.
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I know what you mean, Alena. We All Went on Safari combines culture and counting in such a clever and entertaining way that you don’t realize how much educational value there is in it – counting, culture, animals and geography. Pretty cool! Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.
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