A beautifully illustrated African tale of how Ki-pat, a herd boy, ended a dreadful drought. In this traditional tale, discovered in Kenya, a young herd boy Ki-pat must find a way to save the animals that live on the Kapiti Plain by ending a long and terrible drought. Authored by Verna Aardema, Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain is a delightful rhyming tale full of bright and vivid illustrations by Beatriz Vidal. The cumulative rhyme is a joy to read aloud and a wonderful way to engage young children.

Dume's Roar is an original tale inspired by the "King of the Animals" theme and by the "Tortoise Trickster" character so popular in African fables. Here Dume the lion, proud and vain, claims he is best suited to be King of the Forest. Though all the other animals live to regret proclaiming him their leader they are afraid to object when he abuses his power. Only Kobe, the tortoise, is clever enough to admit Dume is the king they need, and to find a way to make him as wise and good as he is fearsome and strong.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and noted Maya activist Rigoberta Menchú Tum brings the world of her childhood vividly to life in The Girl from Chimel. This evocative memoir for children is beautifully illustrated by noted Mazatec-Mexican artist Domi.

The Honey Jar brings us the ancient stories the author's grandparents told her when she was a little girl, and we can imagine her listening to them by the fire at night. These Maya tales include creation myths, a classic story about the magic twins (which can also be found in the Popol Vuh), explanations of how and why certain natural phenomena came to exist, and animal tales. The underworld, the sky, the sun and moon, plants, people, animals, gods and demi-gods are all present in these stories, and through them we come to know more about the elements that shaped the Mayas' understanding of the world. Rich and vibrant illustrations by Domi perfectly complement these magical Maya tales.

Kiviuq, one of the greatest and most important characters in Inuit mythology, is said to have traveled over land and sea, overcoming obstacles and successfully defeating formidable foes. In Kiviuq and the Bee Woman, Kiviuq faces one of his most frightening opponents yet: Iguttarjuaq, a bee in human form. Known as the Bee Woman, she is a fearsome figure who is said to cook and eat humans. Trapped in her tent, Kiviuq must use all his powers to get to his qajaq and escape the Bee Woman!

Too lazy to build his own shelter before the Big Rain comes, Lion orders the other animals to do it for him, but when none meet his standards, Lion pays a soggy price for his laziness.

Mischievous Ntombi, the Chief's daughter, isn't at all afraid of the fearsome Ilunge River. But when she goes to swim there, she enrages the Mother of Monsters and causes more trouble than she could've imagined! Can Ntombi survive the monster's gigantic head, bulging eyes and thick, slimy scales?

Mrs. Chicken has to think fast to outwit hungry Crocodile, who wants to eat her for dinner. One morning Mrs. Chicken took her bath in a puddle. "Cluck, cluck," she said proudly. "What a pretty chicken I am!" Mrs. Chicken can't see her wings in the puddle, so she walks down to the river where she can admire all of herself. She doesn't know that Crocodile is there, waiting for dinner-and a tasty chicken would do nicely! To save herself, Mrs. Chicken tells Crocodile that they are sisters. But how can a speckled chicken and a green-skinned crocodile be related? Mrs. Chicken had better prove that they are, and fast, because Crocodile is getting hungrier . . . The authors and illustrator of Head, Body, Legs join together to create another lively retelling of a popular African folktale. Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile is a 2004 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.

A Caldecott Honor and Reading Rainbow book, this memorable retelling of Cinderella is perfect for introducing children to the fairy tale as well as the history, culture, and geography of the African nation of Zimbabwe. Inspired by a traditional African folktale, this is the story of Mufaro, who is proud of his two beautiful daughters. Nyasha is kind and considerate, but everyone—except Mufaro—knows that Manyara is selfish and bad-tempered. When the Great King decides to take a wife and invites the most worthy and beautiful daughters in the land to appear before him, Mufaro brings both of his daughters—but only one can be queen. Who will the king choose? Award-winning artist John Steptoe’s rich cultural imagery of Africa earned him the Coretta Scott King Award for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters. The book also went on to win the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. This stunning story is a timeless treasure that readers will enjoy for generations.Coretta Scott King Award for IllustrationCaledcott HonorReading Rainbow BookBoston Globe-Horn Book

The mischievous parrot Papagayo spends his days playing in the jungle and disturbing the sleeping night creatures with his raucous cries. But when the ferocious moon-dog begins to devour the moon, only Papagayo knows how to save it. The night creatures learn that he's a good friend to have - even if he is a bit NOISY.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and noted Maya activist Rigoberta Menchú Tum returns to the world of her childhood in The Secret Legacy. This fascinating glimpse into the ancient stories of the Maya is beautifully illustrated by noted Mazatec-Mexican artist Domi.