Africa South of the Sahara
Nigeria
Too Small Tola
By Atinuke, Onyinye Iwu (Illustrator)
Too Small Tola. Atinuke. Illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. Candlewick Press, 2021. Originally published in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries by Walker Books in 2020. ISBN 9781536211276. 96 p. (Ages 7-9). Fiction.
Three short stories about a small girl named Tola who lives with her family in Lagos, Nigeria. Written by Nigerian storyteller Atinuke, each story shows how despite Tola’s size, she is determined to help those around her. Not only does Tola help her family, but she helps her wider Lagos community. Recognition for Too Small Tola includes: the International School Libraries Network (ISLN) Red Dot Book Awards shortlist in 2023; the USBBY Outstanding International Books List; Publishers Weekly Best Books; finalist for the ALSC Notable Children’s Books in 2022; in 2021, Jhalak Prize Nominee for Children & YA; and finalist for the Cybils Awards for Easy Chapter Books. Too Small Tola is the first in a series of three books, followed by Too Small Tola Gets Tough, and Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls. Two videos from Atinuke introduce this book and the series: Atinuke reads from Too Small Tola (Walker Books). Longlist: Jhalak C&YA Prize; and Atinuke Introduction to “Too Small Tola” Series. [gd]
India
The Mountains of Mumbai
By Labanya Ghosh, Pallavi Jain (Illustrator)
The Mountains of Mumbai. Labanya Ghosh. Illustrated by Pallavi Jain. Karadi Tales Picturebooks, 2020. First published in Chennai, in 2019. ISBN 9788193654293. 40 p. (Ages 4-6). Picture book.
A story of two friends, Veda and Doma, who live in different parts of India accompanied with illustrations created using watercolors, that brings alive the coastal city, Mumbai. Would pair with Small in the City by Sydney Smith. The author lives in Mumbai and works as a copywriter and remedial educator. A Neev Book Award Winner (2020). Watch a book reading of The Mountains of Mumbai by Labanya Ghosh. [mi]