I haven’t traveled to Africa yet, although I am confident that my wanderlust will guide me there in the coming years. Until then, I continue to visit Africa in books. I like to dream of a time and place when animals, big and small, roamed freely on an peaceful and plentiful Earth.
If I had a pair of ruby slippers, I’d tap them together and step into the pages of We all Went on Safari. I’d join Arusha, Mosi and Tumpe as they admire the animals of Tanzania from a distance with wonder, respect and honor.
Regional focus: Africa/Tanzania
Author: Lauri Krebs
Illustrator: Julia Cairns
Genre: children’s literature
In We all Went on Safari we meet Arusha, Mosi, Tumpe and their Maasai friends in Tanzania as they take us on a walking safari through the African grasslands. As we turn the pages of Kreb’s story, we encounter native animals like elephants, lions and monkeys. Along the way, we learn to count in Swahili.
What I love:
- The book contains an illustrated guide to counting in Swahili, a map, notes about each of the animals and facts about Tanzania and the Maasai people.
- The story uses repetition, which invites children to participate in read a-louds.
- Krebs weaves gentle rhymes and descriptive adjectives into her writing.
- The illustrations by Julia Cairns are playful, vibrant and whimsical.
Themes: counting, habitat, African animals
Discussion:
- What animals did you most like in the story?
- How old are you in Swahili?
- How are you similar and different from the children in Tanzania?
- Where would you like to explore with your friends? Why?
Connections:
- Investigate a specific animal from Tanzania.
- Make animal masks with supplies found at home. Play “safari” in your garden.
- Design your own Maasai necklace with a paper plate and paint.
Sail Away Story 
Hi Mandy This is very timely. We are going to Tanzania in January. I think I will get this for my two youngest grandchildren.
Thanks
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Hi Diana! How wonderful and fun! Enjoy your travels. XO
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