As a mom of two I like to supply a variety of books for my children and I like this one as it has proven it's usefulness on a couple of levels.

First, it can be used as an alphabet book; and second it can be used as apart of an Africa social studies unit.

I particularly like that the pictures are upbeat and cheerful, all the while portraying a world that is very much unlike our own.

And what do the children think? They like pouring over the pictures and wondering what kind of candies are on the table under the umbrella of the market trader. ;-)


Three and a Half Stars. At these prices I think you might want to take a look at this book if you are looking for a super simple book on Africa. [And there's always the library.]

This children's book offers an inviting glimpse into West African traditions. From "A is for Africa" to "I is for Indigo", the author Ifeoma Onyefulu uses important aspects of West African life to represent each letter of the alphabet. The book is appropriate for kids of all ages. My daughter is one year old, so I simplify the book by reading just the first sentence of each page, such as "V is for village". The text continues to describe that "V is for the village, where many people live together, sharing the same traditions and beliefs. The old people in the village teach the young ones the old customs, as they were once taught themselves." The photographs in this book are not only beautiful, but very representative of West Africa. Every child interested in Africa should have this book! I am looking forward to reading Ifeoma Onyefulu's other children's books.