Best Children's African Folk Tales Books of 2025

The Girl Who Looked Beyond The Stars by Sheena Meyer is a captivating blend of Christian science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. The story follows Sheena, a thirteen-year-old girl who witnesses a supernatural being save her father and realizes she has a gift she had long forgotten. The book is perfect for 11-14-year-old readers who enjoy books like A Wrinkle In Time. It has a great mix of emotions, from sad and scary to funny, and is a safe, clean and great read for middle schoolers. Overall, it's an excellent book that stands out in its genre.

The first book of the "Future Hero" series is a thrilling adventure for younger fans of "Black Panther" and "Last Gate of the Emperor." Jarell, a boy who feels out of place in his world, finds a hidden portal in his local barbershop that transports him to a magical world where everyone believes he is the hero they've been waiting for. With powerful gods and dangerous creatures, Jarell must navigate this new world to fulfill his destiny. Highly illustrated and full of action, "Future Hero" is a unique and exciting addition to the children's action and adventure genre.

Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky-A Tristan Strong Novel, Book 1 is an epic fantasy middle-grade novel by Kwame Mbalia. The story is set in a world filled with African American folk heroes and West African gods. Seventh-grader Tristan Strong is sent to his grandparents' farm in Alabama to heal from a tragic accident. However, he accidentally opens a chasm into the MidPass and finds himself in the middle of a battle. To get back home, Tristan must entice the god Anansi to seal the hole in the sky. This book is a fast-paced, heroic series starter that weaves family, community, and history with folklore, myth, and fantasy.

I'm Just a Kid: A Social-Emotional Book about Self-Regulation is a valuable resource for parents, counselors, and teachers, and an excellent tool for children to learn about emotions, anger management, and self-regulation. The book follows Ben, a young boy who experiences intense emotions when things don't go his way. Through the help of his mother, he learns how to manage his emotions mindfully and develop emotional resilience. The book is a must-have for parents and children who want to learn more about self-regulation and emotional management.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is a retelling of Cinderella that introduces children to the history, culture, and geography of Zimbabwe. The story follows Mufaro and his two daughters, Nyasha and Manyara, who are both beautiful but have different personalities. When the Great King 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. The book is beautifully illustrated with rich cultural imagery of Africa and has won several awards, including the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award. It is a timeless treasure that readers of all ages will enjoy.

Star Stories: Constellation Tales From Around the World is a delightful storybook collection that shares the wonder of the stars and introduces constellation myths from different cultures. The book brings together 23 epic tales that tell of vengeful gods and goddesses, monsters, heroes, and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the universe. The stunning artwork by illustrator Andy Wilx and glossy paper with golden stars make it an especially evocative gift for young star explorers. Overall, Anita Ganeri's award-winning book is a magical treasure that offers a unique insight into the diverse ways humans have looked up to the night sky and told stories about the stars.

The Mermaid Princesses: A Sister Tale is a magical story about three Black mermaid sisters who each wish to wear the underwater crown. The book, inspired by African mermaid myth, magic, and spirituality, is a fun adventure that reminds young readers about the importance of teamwork and the different strengths we can all bring to the table—or throne. Written by Maya Cameron-Gordon, and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega, this book is a satisfying addition to any little mermaid's library. It handily demonstrates the importance of teamwork in protecting the greater good. The representation of Black children in media is extremely important, and this book does a great job of diversifying children's fantasy.

Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Destroys the World-A Tristan Strong Novel, Book 2 is an action-packed and thrilling adventure that follows Tristan Strong as he returns to Alke to rescue his grandmother from a vengeful villain. The book is the second in the New York Times best-selling and award-winning Tristan Strong trilogy by Kwame Mbalia. The novel explores themes such as diaspora and the effects of trauma, making for a more nuanced and stronger story than the first. The book is highly recommended for those who love middle-grade fantasy and action-adventure books.

Abiyoyo is a delightful picture book adaptation of a South African lullaby and folk story. The story follows a young boy and his father who must save their town from a hungry giant that no one else can defeat. The book is beautifully illustrated with full of light and color and incorporates brief musical phrases of the one-word song in the text. This rendering of a South African tale is a pleasure and a triumph of storytelling and art. Overall, Abiyoyo is a unique and creative children's book that is sure to capture the imagination of young readers.

Kwame Mbalia's Tristan Strong trilogy comes to an epic conclusion in "Tristan Strong Keeps Punching". The book features Tristan Strong as he embarks on a perilous journey with Ayanna to face his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way, they encounter new challenges and allies, including gods and the black flames of the afokena gloves. The book is full of twists, triumphs, and unforgettable characters that make it a satisfying and entertaining read. This best-selling book is a must-have for any middle-grade fantasy collection.