Kuku Kumi (Ten Chickens)
by Kadebe Debe
Print-on-demand — printed to order, availability varies by country
Kuku Kumi brings the joy of counting to life through ten colourful chickens, each with their own personality and Swahili name. This rhythmic counting book uses a traditional Swahili rhyming pattern that makes numbers stick in young minds. Children count from moja (one) to kumi (ten) while following the chickens through a farmyard adventure. The repetitive, musical text is perfect for read-aloud sessions and helps children internalize Swahili numbers through play. With bold, cheerful illustrations and a bouncy rhythm that begs to be read again and again, Kuku Kumi is the ideal introduction to Swahili numeracy for toddlers and preschoolers.
Bilingual
EN / SW
Ages
2–6
Read time
10–15 min
Why This Book?
Counting books are among the most effective early learning tools. By embedding Swahili numbers into a fun, rhyming story, children learn to count in two languages without even realizing they're studying. The rhythm also supports phonological awareness — a key pre-reading skill.
📖 Reading Guide for Parents
Clap along with the rhythm as you read. Have your child hold up fingers for each number. After reading, count real objects around the house using Swahili numbers: 'Moja banana, mbili banana...' Make it a daily counting game!
Swahili Vocabulary from This Book
Kuku
Chicken
Moja
One
Mbili
Two
Tatu
Three
Kumi
Ten
Shamba
Farm
