African Storybook is a free initiative for picture storybooks in African languages, designed to support children’s literacy, enjoyment and imagination. Its stories and tools are intended for children aged two to ten, including children in early childhood and the first three years of primary school. On the website, registered users can create, translate and adapt storybooks. The free Maker app supports offline creation on a phone or tablet, with publishing to the website once connected; the free Reader app lets families access stories offline. Readers can also download books for offline reading or print them. The site provides video and written guides on using and developing picture storybooks. Stories may be read, downloaded, printed, copied, adapted and translated without permission or payment, subject to attribution and any non-commercial restriction attached to the individual story. Creating, adapting or translating requires registration. Users must be at least 18 or have parent or guardian permission. African Storybook distinguishes ASb-approved stories from website- and Maker-created stories that have not been checked.
Who it is for
It suits families, educators and others looking for picture storybooks for children aged two to ten, including offline reading and printing. Adults or children with parent or guardian permission can use its tools to create, adapt or translate stories.
What is good
- Free Reader and Maker apps support offline use.
- Website tools let users create, adapt and translate stories.
- Stories can be downloaded, printed and shared under stated terms.
- Guides cover using and developing picture storybooks.
What to know first
- Creating, adapting or translating requires registration.
- Users under 18 need parent or guardian permission.
- Some user-created stories have not been checked.
Verdict
African Storybook combines children’s picture books with tools for creating and adapting stories. Check each story’s licensing restrictions and review status before reuse.
African Storybook plans and pricing
All plansCompared on open educational resource platforms
- Free plan
- Yes
- Remix and adaptation
- Yes
- Authoring tools
- Yes
- Publishing workflow
- Yes
- Download formats
- PDF, booklet
- Content review
- Yes
