Books About African Folklore

The Best African Folklore Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about african folklore? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

A Story, a Story
The Shortlist

Our 4 Favorite Books About African Folklore

Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1970

A Story, a Story

By Gail E. Haley

A spider must capture three cunning creatures to bring stories to the world.

Caldecott Medal (1971)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1970)
36 pages· 923 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 3,399 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: In a world where stories are locked away by Nyame, the Sky God, Ananse the Spider man dares to change fate. To win the tales for humanity, he must outwit Osebo the fierce leopard, Mmboro the fiery hornet, and Mmoatia the elusive fairy. Can Ananse's cunning and courage overcome these challenges, or will the stories remain forever untold? Dive into this vibrant retelling of an African folktale and discover the origins of storytelling.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1997

Anansi Does the Impossible!

By Verna Aardema, Lisa Desimini (Illustrator)

Discover a vibrant tale with sounds that leap off the page.

32 pages· 1,290 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 237 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Summary: Anansi, a clever spider, faces a daunting challenge: retrieve a python, a fairy, and hornets to win back the world's stories from the Sky God. Can he outsmart the impossible?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2002

Ananse and the Lizard

By Pat Cummings (Illustrator)

A trickster spider must outwit a clever rival to win a royal prize.

40 pages· 1,804 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 108 ratings
$25.99Save 5%
Summary: Ananse, the cunning spider, believes he's secured the secret to winning the Chief's daughter's hand and a fortune. But as he plots his victory, a sly Lizard has his own clever scheme. In a village where names hold power, who will outsmart whom? With marriage, riches, and leadership at stake, the race to uncover the hidden name becomes a battle of wits. Will Ananse's legendary trickery prevail, or will Lizard's cunning turn the tables? Dive into this vibrant tale of mischief and rivalry, where every move could change the future.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1973

Anansi the Spider

Anansi must decide which son to reward after they save him from danger.

48 pages· 371 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
2.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 7,378 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Anansi the Spider embarks on a perilous journey, only to be rescued by his six clever sons. Each son plays a crucial role in saving him from Fish and Falcon, leaving Anansi with a dilemma: which son deserves a reward? As he grapples with this decision, Anansi's choice leads to an unexpected outcome that changes the night sky forever. Will Anansi find a fair solution, or will his decision spark new challenges? Dive into this vibrant Ashanti folktale where wit and wisdom shine through every twist and turn.
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