Africa Is Not A Country

This book dispels the misconception that Africa is a country. The authors narrate the experiences of children at play, school, home, and use realistic illustrations to explore the cultural, environmental, ethnic and social diversity of all 53 countries that make up the African continent. They instruct the reader about each African country, revealing its unique characteristics among the family of African nations. For example on Rwanda, kids are shown making pictures of war, while on Kenya, which is famous for producing long distance runners, the authors show two children running to school, dreaming of one day becoming professional runners. The vast and varied African continent is shown using maps and the different people who inhabit the different environments. From vast deserts with camels in the North, to lush agricultural lands in Central and Southern Africa, the authors introduce Africa to young children in this colorful and easily readable book, and explains that Africa is so large, diverse and complex, it should not be thought as a single nation. Africa has so much to offer: soccer, agricultural products, different religious faiths, fossils, and the diversity is not only of land and culture, but of people too. At the end of the book is an alphabetical capsule of all 53 countries, featuring capital city, population, Independence Day, currency, a pronunciation guide, national flags, and unique facts about the country. Beautifully illustrated and well researched, it will be a joy to young children being introduced to Africa and the many countries that make the African continent.

Daniel M. Mungai Queens Borough Public Library, New York City


children today need this book   December 21, 2003
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

Having visited many classes of young children, I have seen the ignorance that children today have about the African continent and the vast cultures that inhabit the mysterious land. Knight's writing is academic, but not too technical, and playful but honest as she presents a look at the daily lives of children from all over the continent. The book is complete with a listing of all the African countries and important facts about them making it handy in the classroom and wonderful detailed stories about specifically chosen countries making it useful for home story telling. Children need this book and the bst part is that they will love it too.


Well done   January 16, 2004
Ed Gibbon www.congocookbook.com (Washington DC)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

It's sort of sad that a book like this is even necessary, but I have seen teachers make assignments such as, "Everyone will do a report on how people live in different places. We need reports on Japan, Mexico, Germany, China, and Africa."

"Africa Is Not a Country" takes a brief look at the 50-some individual contries that make up the African continent. Each country is presented in a two-page spread, with some text and a large illustration. The text works in lots of facts about each country, without being overly academic. The illustrations are large, colorful, and detailed. The book begins with morning and ends at night and depicts people having breakfast, going to school, doing housework, shopping, playing, etc. The emphasis is always on modern people (not wildlife, not "exotic" tribes). Well done.


Sarah Palin should read this book!   November 9, 2008
Mark Melnicove (I live in Maine (not to be confused with Alaska!))
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

According to news reports and anonymous sources within the McCain campaign (November 5, 2008), Sarah Palin didn't know (I guess she now knows?) that Africa is not a country. Just to make sure she's got it straight, she should read this book. Come to think of it, this book should be required reading for all young people who dream of one day being the President (or Vice-President) of the United States! Do your part to help keep Sarah Palin informed. Send her this book. She's got a large family and many supporters, so I don't think she can get too many copies.


Great Book   December 28, 2007
S. Lee
As the other reviews have said already, this book is colorful and engaging. It's a great book for mid-late elementary kids to learn about the diversity of the African continent ... but in a story-telling format interesting for kids. I own this book myself for my own children, and also bought a copy for my daughter's elementary school library.