16 festive tracks, including Avak Avak (Joy to the World) by the African Gospel Choir. USA. PUTUMAYO.

Two and a half years of inspired, meticulous 'stitching', a stellar reproduction and imagery with a South African flavour makes for an original book - an embroidered advent calendar for children in story form. 36pp, SOUTH AFRICA. JACANA MEDIA.

Children's picture book. It's Christmas time, and Afam has decided to create and dance his own masquerade, just like the big celebratory Mmo (masquerades) which he sees performing at festivals. Each time he starts collecting things to make his costume, family preparations for Christmas - haircuts, visiting the tailor, a church service, a trip to their village - get in the way. But in the end, Afam performs the most beautiful masquerade ever! Full colour photos, 32pp, UK. FRANCES LINCOLN LTD.

It's nearly Christmas, and Tyler's family are putting up the decorations. But when Tyler picks up the broken Christmas tree angel, he can't help asking why there aren't any black angels. When no one can answer him, he goes looking for one. 32pp, UK. FRANCES LINCOLN.

On different sides of the globe, a young woman baking bread, a mother nursing her child, and a grandmother telling her stories see a bright new star rising in the sky. The three women meet on a path of starlight to follow where it leads and each gives her own present to the baby it shines down on. 36pp, UK. FRANCES LINCOLN, 0711220220

This exciting story about Saga Zaab, Egzir Haraya and the Archangel Michael was written seven hundred years ago and is one of the best loved tales in Ethiopia's rich and ancient literature. Illustrated with paintings from an original eighteenth century manuscript. 32pp, UK. MACMILLAN EDUCATION, 0333934393

The story of the Nativity as told to children in Ethiopia. Illustrated with 200 year old illuminations. 32pp, UK. MACMILLAN EDUCATION, 0333934385

Thando lives in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. One Christmas she remembers the story of the beautiful rain goddess, Nomkhublwana. Thando wishes very hard that the goddess will visit her in the valley and bring her something special for Christmas. 24pp, SOUTH AFRICA. MASKEW MILLER LONGMAN, 0636049469

2002 Paperback

Ages 3+

Five stories from Ghana, Russia, Mexico, Syria and Malta commemorating the Christmas story. Illustrated in colour. 48pp, UK. FRANCES LINCOLN, 0711215723

2000 1998 Paperback

Ages 5-7 or younger if read aloud.

It's time to get ready for Kwanzaa! A beautifully illustrated picture book about a little girl getting ready with her family for her first Kwanzaa celebration. 28pp, USA. HENRY HOLT & CO, 080507077X

2003 Paperback

Suitable for ages 2+

A little book focusing on Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday celebrated by African Americans, each page looking at a particular aspect of the festival. Includes stickers. 12pp, USA. DOVER, 0486421791

2002 Paperback