Emeka's Gift: An African Counting Story

A parent might reach for this book when their toddler or preschooler is learning to count and they want a story that makes numbers meaningful, not just abstract. This book provides a beautiful, real-world context for counting from one to ten. The story follows a young Nigerian boy named Emeka who is walking to his grandmother's house. Along the way, he counts all the wonderful things he sees in his village, from one boy on a bicycle to ten chickens. The book's core emotional themes are the joy of discovery and the deep love within a family. Photographed by the author in her home village, it offers an authentic and celebratory glimpse into another culture, making it an excellent choice for building vocabulary and providing positive representation.