Families who loved Two Ways to Count to Ten: A Liberian Folktale by Ruby Dee often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels small or discouraged by their physical size compared to older peers or more athletic friends. This Liberian folktale centers on a royal challenge to find a new king: animals must throw a spear and count to ten before it lands. While the elephant and lion rely on brute strength, they fail because they cannot speak fast enough. It is the clever antelope who succeeds by using skip counting. It is a wonderful choice for ages 4 to 8 to reinforce that intelligence and creative problem-solving are just as valuable as physical prowess. The story provides a gentle introduction to math concepts while celebrating African oral traditions and the power of thinking outside the box.
