Now, more than ever, African children’s books are becoming very popular even among non-Africans. These books are not only powerful and entertaining, but they also help African children reflect on their culture and history help build pride and a sense of belonging. For children everywhere, they open a window into the richness of the continent’s traditions, languages, and imagination.
The good news is that there is a growing number of authors and illustrators who have created children’s books that celebrate Africa in all its diversity, from colorful picture books about everyday life to retellings of folktales and inspiring stories of heroes.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who wants to nurture a love of Africa in young readers, we have taken the time to list some powerful works that can spark curiosity, celebrate identity, and keep cultural stories alive for the next generation.
African Children’s Books Your Kids Should Read
1. A Is for Africa: A Fun ABC Adventure Book for Children About Africa by Kunda Kids (2023)
For African parents raising children in the diaspora, this is a great book to help your kids learn about their home continent in a fun way. This is an alphabet book steeped in African history, geography, and culture, featuring inclusive illustrations. The work is written and published for children between the ages of 3 and 8. Among the things covered in the book are the past of Africa and its present times, food, animals, and much more.
2. Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country by Atinuke (2019)
In a world where ignorance is fuelling the assumption that Africa is a country, this book becomes important for kids. It is a vibrant illustrated atlas that introduces kids to the 55 African countries in Africa. More than that, it also provides engaging facts and visuals to accompany the countries. The sub-regions of the countries, the languages spoken, and more are also provided.
3. Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrove (1976)
In this Caldecott Medal-winning children’s alphabet book, Margaret Musgrove captures the diversity of the African traditions and cultures, detailing the ways of 26 different African people’s cutting across different parts of the continent. It is a good work for parents who want to introduce their kids to various African cultures, including Ashanti, Ewe, Fanti, Yoruba, Masai, Hausa, Sotho, Xhosa, and Zulu.
4. History of Africa for Kids: A Captivating Guide… by Captivating History
This rich book captures three important things: African history for kids, ancient Africa for kids, and medieval Africa for kids. It tells the history of the continent at different points, starting from ancient and earliest times. It also captures various civilizations and the transatlantic slave trade in a way that kids will understand and appreciate.
5. African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History by Tracey Baptiste
In this wonderful work for kids, Tracey Baptiste doesn’t tell the story of great Africans such as Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Nelson Mandela. She went back to the medieval and early modern times to tell the story of great Africans who, although they were very influential, are not well known today.
The illustrated book tells the story of Menes, Merneith, Imhotep, Aesop, Hannibal Barca, Terence, Amanirenas, Tin Hinan, Mansa Musa, and Queen Idia, all of whom played significant roles in history, not just on the African continent. It is written to help kids between the ages of 10 and 14 to serve as a guide in their understanding of pre-colonial Africa.
See Also: 10 Must-Read African Novels of All Time
6. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of African Animals by Catherine D. Hughes (2025)
This book is created for kids of 4 to 8 years old. It serves to introduce them to Animals found on the African continent, such as elephants, giraffes, gorillas, zebras, hippos, rhinos, lions, snakes, wildebeests, and crocodiles. Birds and insects are also not left out. It is a great way to get kids to start learning about animals and other creatures.
7. The Story of Moremi Ajasoro by Oluwatobi Vaughan (2022)
This is a story about a legendary Yoruba queen and folk heroine, Moremi Ajasoro, who was married to the son of Oduduwa, the founding father of the Yoruba people. The story has it that Queen Moremi was forced to offer her only son to the spirits to help her defeat the enemies of the Yoruba people, the Forest people, Ugbò. The folk teaches courage and cultural identity to young readers.
8. The White Giraffe by Lauren St John (2006)
This is an interesting African Adventures novel set in South Africa. It tells the story of a girl, Martine, who had to move from England after the loss of her parents to Southern Africa to begin life with her grandmother in a wildlife game reserve. The little girl comes across a mythical white giraffe and bonds with it. It is a great piece for kids between 9 and 13 years old.
9. Future Hero by Remi Blackwood
A myth-inspired story that blends African adventure with heroism, this work a boy, Jarell, who finds a portal to a legendary world in his local barbershop. It is through this that he gets to find out he is actually a superhero who is long-awaited. For kids between the ages of 7 and 11, this is a popular book to help them appreciate cultural storytelling.
