My Little Poppies LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links from Amazon or other programs are used on this website. For more information, please refer to our disclosure statement.

March 20-26 is World Folktales and Fables week. Children learn about the world through books and I believe it is important to build a diverse children’s library.

Today I am sharing some of our family’s favorite stories and picture books from around the world. When you are finished reading, I would love to hear your family’s favorites!

Table of Contents

Including World Folktales and Fables in Your Homeschool

African Tales: A Barefoot Collection by Gcina Mhlophe & Rachel Griffin

This vibrantly colored collection starts off with a brief history of Africa along with a map of the continent. The book consists of eight stories: Nolwandle, Girl of the Waves (Namibia), Makhosi and the Magic Horns (Malawi), Masilo and Masilonyana (Lesotho), The Great Hunter (Swaziland), Sea Wind (Senegal), Ananse and the Impossible Quest (Ghana), The Story of the Wise Mother (Sudan), and Everything Changes, Everything Passes (Ethiopia). Each of the eight stories is prefaced by an introduction filled with interesting details and facts about the country of origin.

Mama Panya’s Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya by Mary and Rich Chamberlin

My 6-year-old daughter adores this book. It tells the story of Mama Panya and her son, Adika, as they walk through a Kenyan marketplace. Mama plans to make pancakes and has only a few coins with her, yet her son invites everyone they encounter on their journey. In the end, everyone contributes and has a lovely time together. This is a wonderful story about sharing and generosity. It also includes a brief overview of village life in Kenya, animals one might see on a trip to the market, Kiswahili greetings, and a recipe to make Mama Panya’s pancakes.

My Granny Went to Market: A Round-the-World Counting Rhyme by Stella Blackstone and Christopher Corr

Your children will delight in Granny’s trip around-the-world shopping trip… on a magic carpet! As they count along with Granny, they will learn about different countries, cities, languages, and cultural objects.

Once Upon a Time in Japan by Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and translanted by Roger Pulvers and Juliet Carpenter (with CD)

This award-winning book is gorgeous. It will become an instant classic in your home. This collection contains eight Japanese fairy tales, each with a different illustrator. My children have enjoyed listening to these stories while traveling, too.

One City, Two Brothers: A Story from Jerusalem by Chris Smith and Aurelia Fronty

This is a story that everyone can appreciate. It is the tale of two brothers, fighting over their deceased father’s land. To settle the dispute, King Solomon shares an ancient tale of two selfless brothers who love can give to each other generously. A beautiful story and message, it is a perfect family read-aloud and way to discuss sibling squabbles.

Tales of Wisdom & Wonder retold by Hugh Lupton (with storytime CD)

Do you know those days when your children are in dire need of an afternoon quiet time but it’s just not happening? This audiobook has saved me many an afternoon. The book features Haitian, Cree, English, French, West African, Russian, and Irish folktales. With gorgeous illustrations and a riveting storytime CD, your children will be thoroughly enchanted with this one.

The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales by Dawn Casey and Anne Wilson

This sweet little collection packs a punch. It is not only a wonderful collection of stories from around the world but each story carries a theme of respect for nature and our planet. It includes stories from Australia, Nigeria, American Southwest, Bali, Kazakhstan, India, and Wales. In addition, the book contains multiple crafts and extension activities based on the stories contained therein.

The Barefoot Book of Pirates by Richard Walker, Olwyn Whelan, and Richard Hope (with storytime CD)

Both of my boys have gone through multiple pirate phases. When we are in the midst of one, this book and Portside Pirates are their top two favorites. This book features Scandinavian, English, German, Irish, Japanese, Scottish, and Moroccan pirate tales. This collection is sure to please even the youngest pirate lover!

The Gigantic Turnip by Aleksei Tolstoy, Niamh Sharkey, and Imelda Staunton (with storytime CD)

This version of this old Russian folktale has my children in stitches every single time! The CD is fantastic and the illustrations are brilliant. Your children will double over with laughter as they watch the old man, and others, attempt to pull the gigantic turnip from the earth!

The Girl with a Brave Heart: A Tale from Tehran by Rita Jahanforuz and Vali Mintzi

This is a beautiful story with a sweet message. Shiraz is a young girl from Tehran who lives with her father and stepmother and half-sister. When her father dies, her stepmother begins to treat her poorly. One day, while knitting a sweater using her deceased mother’s yarn, Shiraz’s ball of yarn blows away. She goes in search of it and encounters a scary older woman. I’m not going to tell you what happens next, but I will share that this is a story with an important message for our children: see the good in others and be kind to everyone.

The Peace Tree from Hiroshima: The Little Bonsai with the Big Story by Sandra Moore

I have written about this sweet story before. It a beautiful story that weaves together history, geography, family, nature, sadness, peace, and hope. It chronicles the story of a bonsai and its caretakers through the generations, including the horrific events of Hiroshima. The bonsai is there as Hiroshima rebuilds and is eventually given to the United States as a peace offering, commemorating its bicentennial.

The Story Tree: Tales to Read Aloud retold by Hugh Lupton (with storytime CD)

This is a fantastic little collection of stories. The last time we went up north for a little R and R, we brought this book along. We have listened to it so many times that I probably have it memorized, but I have yet to tire of it. This collection features German, Indian, African-American, Russian, Norwegian, English, and Jewish stories. Hugh Lupton is a master storyteller and will captivate your children will each tale.

We All Went on Safari: A Counting Journey Through Tanzania by Laurie Krebs and Julia Cairns

We received this amazing book from our friend who lives in Tanzania. Your children will be enthralled with this journey through the Tanzanian grasslands. Not only that, but they will learn to count from 1-10 in English and Swahili! The book also includes a map of Tanzania, facts about the country, and a brief introduction to the Maasai people.

We’re Roaming in the Rainforest by Laurie Krebs and Anne Wilson

This engaging little story will introduce your children to many of the wonders of the Amazonian rainforest, including pink river dolphins, sloths, black caimans, anacondas, monkeys, parrots, and poison dart frogs. As your children follow along, they will also learn about the importance of this amazing place. They will learn about its native people and the dangers facing the area. Do you want to introduce your children to the concept of conservation? This is a fantastic place to start.

We’re Sailing Down the Nile by Laurie Krebs and Anne Wilson

My oldest has been fascinating with the Nile River since we first studied it in Story of the World. This is an engaging story of a trip down the Nile and your children will learn about some of the important places located along the famous river. In addition to the story, this book includes a map of the area, a brief overview of Ancient Egypt, its gods and goddesses, pyramids, mummies, hieroglyphics, and more.