Africa South of the Sahara
South Africa
Paris Cat
By Dianne Hofmeyr, Piet Grobler (Illustrator)
Paris Cat. Dianne Hofmeyr. Illustrated by Piet Grobler. Tiny Owl Publishing, 2020. First published in London, 2020. ISBN 9781910328620. 32 p. (Ages 5-7). Picture book.
Kitty is determined to follow her dreams to leave the alleyways of Paris to live all of her nine lives to the fullest. She travels around Paris singing with Edith Piaf, designing her own costumes, and dancing with Josephine Baker. A 2021 International Youth Library White Raven Selection. Learn more from the publisher’s website… and then watch the author read Paris Cat. [gd]
Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa
By Niki Daly
Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa. Niki Daly. Clarion Books, 2007. Originally published as Pretty Salma by Frances Lincoln, in London, in 2006. ISBN 9780618723454. 32 p. (Ages 4-7). Picture book.
Pretty Salma is the story of Little Red Riding Hood set in contemporary urban Ghana and features West African cultural images such as traditional instruments, Anansi the trickster, a Ka Ka Motobi Bogeyman mask, and more. 2008 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, 2007 Parent’s Choice Award. [gd]
Here Comes Lolo
By Niki Daly
Here Comes Lolo. Niki Daly. Catalyst Press, 2020. Originally published by Otter-Barry Books, in Great Britain, in 2019. ISBN 9781946395337. 78 p. (Ages 4-9). Fiction.
Lolo is a little girl living with her mother and grandmother in South Africa. The first in a series of three books, Here Comes Lolo is composed of three stories that recount her hilarious adventures in getting a gold star at school, finding a missing ring, and rescuing a dog. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and nominated for the Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award. In this video Author Niki Daly Reads a story from Here Comes Lolo. Also check out Here Comes Lolo Teaching Guides from Catalyst Press. [gd]
Nigeria
Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country
By Atinuke, Mouni Feddag (Illustratror)
Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country. Atinuke. Illustrated by Mouni Feddag. Candlewick Press, 2021. Originally published by its UK sister company Walker Books in 2019. ISBN 9781536205374. 80 p. (Ages 7-10). Nonfiction.
This book profiles all 55 countries on the African continent. The author explores their varied geography, history, traditions, animals, and ecosystems. A 2022 USBBY Outstanding International Books List selection. See what Atinuke, a well-known Nigerian storyteller who lives in West Wales, has to say about her book: Introducing “Africa, Amazing Africa.” It’s my first non-fiction book. And it’s all about Africa! [gd]
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
Dadaji's Paintbrush
By Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Ruchi Mhasane (Illustrator)
Dadaji’s Paintbrush. Rashmi Sirdeshpande. Illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane. Levine Querido, 2022. Originally published in the UK by Andersen Press. ISBN 9781646141722. 32 p. (Ages 4-8). Picture book.
A heartwarming story about a grandfather and grandson and their love for painting accompanied with illustrations created using colored pencils and pastels, that capture the beauty of Konkan coast of India. Would pair well with Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved. The author is based in London and is a lawyer turned children’s author. A Jhalak Prize Nominee for Children’s & YA (2023) and The Diverse Book Award for Best Picture Book (2023) Winner. Watch a read-aloud of Dadaji’s Paintbrush by the author, Rashmi Sirdeshpande. [mi]