Find Swahili children's books fast & easy
Bilingual Swahili–English books celebrating diversity in culture, language, and imagination-building literacy,and connection.
Best Swahili Children's Books: Top-Rated Stories for Your Child 2024 Guide
Swahili Children's Books to keep the little ones reading, thinking, and growing.
We All Went on Safari: A Counting Journey Through Tanzania
Join Arusha, Mosi, Tumpe, and their Maasai friends on an exciting counting adventure across Tanzania's grasslands! Along the way, they meet elephants, lions, monkeys, and more, counting from one to ten in English and Swahili. With rhyming text, vibrant illustrations, a Swahili counting guide, a map, and fun animal facts, kids learn about Tanzania and the Maasai culture. Perfect for ages 4 to 10!
Love is Kind: A Swahili English Bilingual Book
Fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and emotional resilience, Upendo Hufadhili (Love Is Kind) is a heartwarming English–Swahili picture book set in the wild beauty of Tanzania’s Serengeti.
Follow Bundi, a timid young owl, as she learns to speak up during the jungle’s annual debate on friendship. When her animal friends begin to argue, Bundi surprises everyone—with a gentle song that reminds them kindness takes courage.
Jambo Means Hello: Swahili Alphabet Book
"Jambo Means Hello" introduces children aged 4 to 8 to the Swahili alphabet through engaging illustrations and pronunciation keys. This vibrant book immerses readers in East African culture while teaching language basics.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Cultural Adventure: Experience vibrant East African traditions.
- Fun Learning: Introduces kids to Swahili basics.
- Stunning Art: Tom Feelings' illustrations bring each page to life.
Elimu Haina Mwisho - Education has no end
From Summit to Storytime: Share the Spirit of Kilimanjaro
S is for SAFARI – Swinging Swahili Alphabet Safari
If you believe stories can bring people closer together, S is for Safari was created for you.
From A is for Andazi (African doughnut) to Z is for Zawadi (gift), this bilingual Swahili–English alphabet book invites children and families to explore Africa’s colors, sounds, and warmth through language and imagination. Each page bursts with rhythm, joy, and discovery — celebrating not just letters, but culture, curiosity, and connection.
Whether you’re a teacher encouraging global learning, a parent nurturing bilingual curiosity, or a librarian building a diverse collection, S is for Safari brings the world’s richness to young readers in a way that feels personal, inclusive, and fun.
Why Families and Educators Love It
- Builds early literacy, phonics, and vocabulary in two languages.
- Encourages cultural inclusion, empathy, and a love of diversity.
- Perfect for storytime, language lessons, homeschooling, and classroom display.
- Designed for ages 3–7, supporting early readers through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition.
- Aligns with early learning goals in language, literacy, geography, and cultural studies.
Inside the Book
- A complete A–Z Swahili–English alphabet with clear pronunciation guides.
- Authentic African illustrations celebrating wildlife, foods, family, and friendship.
- Simple, musical read-aloud text that makes language learning joyful.
- Cross-curricular themes connecting literacy, geography, and cultural awareness.
From Summit to Storytime: Share the Spirit of Kilimanjaro with Your Little Explorers
Have you climbed Kilimanjaro? Do you know someone who has? Then Simama, Kaa (stand-up, sit down) is an excellent gift and addition to any early childhood setting:
- Parents: Enhance storytime with interactive language learning
- Educators: Incorporate into lessons on languages, cultures, or physical activities
- Librarians: Diversify your collection with inclusive, multicultural content.
Grab a Sticker and help us spread the love in Swahili!
Every sticker purchased through the Kilimanjaro Gifts shop on Etsy supports the creation of innovative Swahili children's books.
See What Our Customers Have to Say
The Love is Real!
The Love is Real!
The Love is Real!
" This was a great book. My daughter loved the rhyming words and the bright colorful pictures. It is a very good introduction to Swahili for kids who are learning the language. It kept us engaged and interested to the end!
And check out this cool child-focused Youtube review by Zuri for an awesome perspective on our Swahili children's books."
Word on the street
The Love is Real!
The Love is Real!
"I bought this book for a little boy I am sponsoring in Tanzania. I am from the United States so I had it shipped here first. My little 7 year old's really enjoyed seeing how English can translate into Swahili. It is also a very sweet little story about what qualities make for a good friend. And how each of us are special. I thank the author for providing an authentic Tanzanian based book with spot on translations. I hope the little boy I send this too enjoys reading about his animal friends in the Serengeti while also getting and introduction with English that will hopefully help him in primary school. Thanks for a great book! Highly recommend...I even bought a second copy because my girls liked it so much."
JAMBO means 'HELLO"
why swahili?
You Share the World Through Words and GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF LANGUAGE !
Because 43% of the world’s population is bilingual and 17% is multilingual, You Give Your Child an Edge - think 'The Lion King,' and 'Hakuna matata!'
Our easy and fun to read books make the learning safari delightful.
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