★ A loving embrace of faith and family and a wonderful window into Nigerian culture - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

I'll see you in Ijebu...
Where my Iya Akin is
Her cooking, her jokes that make me giggle
Ijebu, where love lives

Olu loves visiting her extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu, especially when she gets to celebrate Eid al-Adha with them. And this year is extra special, because Olu is finally old enough to help cook the Eid feast. She leaves the vibrant, bustling city of Lagos behind for green Ijebu, and finally arrives to see her Baba waiting for her with a warm hug.

Olu's week in Ijebu is filled with games with cousins, time in the kitchen with her aunties, and finally a feast that leaves their bellies full. In a celebration of Nigerian food and tradition, I'll See You in Ijebu captures the joy of special moments spent with family.

• Relatable for kids who travel to see extended family for the holidays.
• Illustrates a multi-faith family who celebrates both Catholic and Muslim holidays.
• Endnotes include information about Eid-al-Adha and the food, fashion, and faiths in Nigeria (including a recipe for Nigerian puff puff!)

The Night Market is here again, and all one girl needs is a bag of gold coins to enter. The market is alive with the sound of hawkers and traders. A taste of tangy sweetness! hollers a man behind a towering fountain of lemonade. I'll trade you a joke for a coin, a little boy calls. Home grown spices! shouts a granny at a counter. What should the girl buy? But, wait! Do you hear that? It's the sound of an old African drum. Have a turn, then learn to make cards disappear when you shout Abracadabra! When the sun starts to rise and the night market winds down, the girl has one gold coin left--just enough to buy a return ticket to the night market.

With stunning illustrations by Nigerian-American artist Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, here is an enchanting read aloud about curiosity and the wonders that lie hidden in plain sight.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

From critically acclaimed artist Elizabeth Zunon, a picture book about one boy on a journey to deliver salt across the desert-a journey that will reveal the precious rock's true value.

In the Sahara, salt is worth its weight in gold. When Malik is finally old enough to join his father's caravan, transporting salt across the long trade route to Timbuktu, he can't wait to prove himself worthy of this big responsibility.

Over the long and difficult route, the boy will discover that salt does far more than just preserve and flavor food. With its essential roles in trade, ritual, civilizations, and even our bodies, salt sustains life. Most important of all, Malik discovers his own self-confidence as he grows from a novice to a future leader of his salt caravan.

This gorgeous, awe-inspiring picture book celebrates the remarkable journey that salt takes, the connections forges, and its power to nourish us.

Bestselling author Katherine Applegate presents Home of the Brave, a beautifully wrought middle grade novel about an immigrant's journey from hardship to hope.

Kek comes from Africa. In America he sees snow for the first time, and feels its sting. He's never walked on ice, and he falls. He wonders if the people in this new place will be like the winter - cold and unkind.

In Africa, Kek lived with his mother, father, and brother. But only he and his mother have survived, and now she's missing. Kek is on his own. Slowly, he makes friends: a girl who is in foster care; an old woman who owns a rundown farm, and a cow whose name means family in Kek's native language. As Kek awaits word of his mother's fate, he weathers the tough Minnesota winter by finding warmth in his new friendships, strength in his memories, and belief in his new country.

Home of the Brave is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

An easy bedtime tale with a special affection for nighttime. - Kirkus

Even long ago, there was day and night. The day was full of light and warmth, and people and animals alike rejoiced in the rays of the sun. But what happens when people get greedy and take the Night for granted? What will become of the Earth and those who dwell upon it? Humans, turtles, elephants, monkeys, cheetahs, and rhinos all need to know!

Katherine Jumbe masterfully brings the world of the Malawian savanna to life, telling a rhythmic tale perfect for bedtime. Rich illustrations by Shana Dixon depict Baby Mwana and her older Sister Alekachawo as they trek up the great Sky Road to bring the heavens back into balance.

Perfect for:
- Pre-schoolers to early elementary-aged children
- Parents looking for African representation in a picture book
- Fans of Berry Song, Where Wonder Grows, and Soul Food Sunday

Lockdown is over and Too Small Tola is happy to be home with her family again in their apartment in Lagos, Nigeria. Tola loves solving problems, in both math and real life, and there are plenty of problems for her to tackle in their crowded building: Mrs. Shaky-Shaky is having trouble climbing the stairs to her apartment, Mr. and Mrs. Abdul need someone to watch sweet Baby Jide, and Grandmommy needs help deciding what to do on a day out with Tola. Luckily, Tola has ideas to help everyone! But how will Tola solve her own problem--the fact that her classmates don't believe she worked for Mr. Diamond, the famous music star? One of the Odidi boys even calls her a liar! With support from her family, friends, and neighbors, Tola learns about true friendship and the power of self-belief. There's no problem too big for Too Small Tola! Community, wit, and love abound in this latest story from award-winning author Atinuke, with whimsical illustrations by Onyinye Iwu.

Ayo told his mother all about the cultures, celebrations, and places he'd visited...He told her how Black people around the world fought, rebelled, and resisted, to create, innovate, and inspire.

One night as Ayo sits in front of a world map, his dad explains, Our ancestors came from many nations in Africa. We are still connected to them today...
What do you mean, Dad?
I'll tell you more about this tomorrow, Ayo. Right now, it's bedtime.

But when Ayo drifts off to sleep, his dreams take him on an extraordinary journey through space, time and the alphabet to discover cultures of the African diaspora. H is for hip-hop, and K is kente cloth. M is for Mansa Mansa to and R is for revolution. He learns just how much the African diaspora has inspired the entire world in this A to Z exploration of Black history and culture.

• Country labels, inset boxes and pronunciation guides on each page provide additional background information.
• Extensive endnotes dive deeper into the African diaspora and the cultures featured in the story.

This high-quality Spanish-language book can be enjoyed by fluent Spanish speakers as well as those learning the language, whether at home or in a classroom.

Una larga travesía hasta el agua, bestseller del New York Times, comienza como dos historias, que se van alternando, sobre dos niños de once años en Sudán, una niña en 2008 y un niño en 1985. La niña, Nya, va a buscar agua a un estanque que está a dos horas de caminata desde su hogar; cada día, hace dos viajes hasta el estanque. El niño, Salva, se convierte en uno de los niños perdidos de Sudán, refugiados que recorren a pie el continente africano en búsqueda de sus familias y de un lugar seguro en el que vivir. Soportando todas las adversidades -la soledad, el ataque de rebeldes armados, el contacto con leones y cocodrilos asesinos-, Salva es un superviviente, y su historia se cruza con la historia de Nya de una manera sorprendente y movilizadora.

The New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours' walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the lost boys of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya's in an astonishing and moving way.

Author of A Comb of Wishes Lisa Stringfellow returns with a West African-inspired fantasy about a girl who is determined to return both magic and justice to her people--and whose destiny holds more surprises than she could ever imagine.

A fascinating fairy tale of memory, the power of storytelling, and magic! Lisa Stringfellow has crafted a fantastic story of a young girl seeking to save her kingdom from the usurper that would destroy it. This coming-of-age story of self-discovery is a gift to young readers, who will see themselves mirrored in a heroine worth rooting for! --P. Djèlí Clark, author of Abeni's Song

Storytelling has the ability to shape who we are and how we navigate the world. Nowhere is that more true than in Kingdom of Dust, where Lisa Stringfellow has crafted a heartfelt tale full of adventure, community, mystery, and magic. This story is one that all young readers will be absolutely delighted to discover! --New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron

Such a cool, different, princess-in-a-tower story; I loved the world Lisa built and the determined young heroine who has to save it. --Tui Sutherland, author of the New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series

Though the land of Kun used to be lush and green, Amara has only ever known her homeland as a dry, dusty desert. When the griots vanished more than a decade ago, they took their magic with them, along with goddess Oala's gifts of rain and plenty, leaving Kun controlled by a powerful and uncaring king. And though her foster mother, Zirachi, assures her that Kun is not under a curse, Amara can't help but wonder if her own origin, which is shrouded in mystery, is somehow linked to the broken kingdom.

When Amara and Zirachi are attacked by the Nkume, the fearsome king's guard, Amara must flee, leaving all that she has known behind. With nowhere to go but knowing that she is under Oala's protection, Amara sets off to do the impossible: find the griots and save Kun before the kingdom blows away like dust.

Market is very crowded.
Mama is very busy.
Baby is very curious.

When Baby and Mama go to the market, Baby is so adorable that the banana seller gives him six bananas. Baby eats one and puts five in the basket, but Mama doesn't notice. As Mama and Baby wend their way through the stalls, cheeky Baby collects five oranges, four biscuits, three ears of sweet corn, two pieces of coconut . . . until Mama notices that her basket is getting very heavy Poor Baby, she thinks, he must be very hungry by now Rhythmic language, visual humor, and a bounty of delectable food make this a tale that is sure to whet little appetites for story time.

Esma's adventures in Morocco bring familiar family chaos to an extraordinary place. A vibrant, fun picture book celebrating multiculturalism.

Esma is excited to be visiting family in Morocco. She can't wait to explore the souk - a giant market full of incredible acrobats, delicious-smelling spices, and cheeky monkeys. But while Esma is being charmed by swaying snakes, she loses track of Mama and Auntie Fatima. Esma is lost!

With the help of the souk's lively inhabitants Esma makes a daring plan to find her mama. Will she be brave enough to step up and stand out?

Inspired by their own families, authors Lisa Boersen and Hasna Elbaamrani offer a child's viewpoint of the bustling Marrakesh souk and its characters. Annelies Vandenbosch's illustrations are packed with brilliant details, bright colors and real warmth.

Mbote! Betuabu! Jambo! Let's explore DR Congo! Count the fish at the market, watch the cheeky bonobos, and finish the day with a story. Even learn words in Lingala, Tshiluba, and Swahili with pronunciation guides throughout the story.

• Part of the Barefoot Books Our World series
• Written by Congolese author Mel Nyoko and illustrated by Joelle Avelino
• Endmatter provides more insights into life in DR Congo

A must-read!--Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

For fans of A Long Walk to Water and Hatchet, this boy's gripping journey from poverty to empowerment transports readers to modern-day Ghana, into the throes of an extraordinary survival story.

Sena treasures his life in rural Ghana--playing soccer, working the family farm, striving to do his best at school--but he is increasingly aware of his family's precarious security in the face of poverty. When an alluring gentleman comes to town to befriend local teenagers, offering promises of a better future, it only takes one more unsettling turn of events to send Sena into the clutches of human traffickers. Sena's ordeal, escape, and remarkable survival makes for a page-turning adventure of self-discovery and empowerment.

★ A powerful look at...the will to survive.―Kirkus, starred review
★ Readers will devour Sena's story.--School Library Journal, starred review

Market is very crowded.
Mama is very busy.
Baby is very curious.

When Baby and Mama go to the market, Baby is so adorable that the banana seller gives him six bananas. Baby eats one and puts five in the basket, but Mama doesn't notice. As Mama and Baby wend their way through the stalls, cheeky Baby collects five oranges, four biscuits, three ears of sweet corn, two pieces of coconut . . . until Mama notices that her basket is getting very heavy Poor Baby, she thinks, he must be very hungry by now Rhythmic language, visual humor, and a bounty of delectable food make this a tale that is sure to whet little appetites for story time.

DUM! DUM! DUM! DUM!
The talking drums thump a sweet beat...
The masquerade has begun.

As villagers gather to hear masked musicians beating drums, savor fried plantains, and watch the joyful dancers, a young girl joins the celebration with her family. But this year, everything feels different; it's the first masquerade without Grandpa.

Each member of the family carries something that honors Grandpa--his clanking beads, soft velvet hat, and carved walking stick. But the young girl doesn't have any of Grandpa's items. Instead, she brings with her a special memory shared only between the two of them. Will she be able to share it with the world?

Habari! Let's explore Kenya! Savor fluffy mandazis, count the colorful mabati roofs, and play a game of kati kati. Even learn words in Swahili with pronunciation guides throughout the story.

• Part of the Barefoot Books Our World series
• Written by Kenyan author Maïmouna Jallow and illustrated by Lulu Kitololo
• Endmatter provides more insights into life in Kenya

Selam! It's a beautiful day in Ethiopia. Have a breakfast of spicy chechebsa, ride horses in the park, and gather around the mesob for dinner. Even learn words in Amharic with pronunciation guides throughout the story.

• Part of the Barefoot Books Our World series
• Written by Ethiopian author Fitsum Tesfaye Habtemariam and illustrated by Netsanet (Net) Tesfay
• Endmatter provides more insights into life in Ethiopia

★ A loving embrace of faith and family and a wonderful window into Nigerian culture - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

I'll see you in Ijebu...
Where my Iya Akin is
Her cooking, her jokes that make me giggle
Ijebu, where love lives

Olu loves visiting her extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu, especially when she gets to celebrate Eid al-Adha with them. And this year is extra special, because Olu is finally old enough to help cook the Eid feast. She leaves the vibrant, bustling city of Lagos behind for green Ijebu, and finally arrives to see her Baba waiting for her with a warm hug.

Olu's week in Ijebu is filled with games with cousins, time in the kitchen with her aunties, and finally a feast that leaves their bellies full. In a celebration of Nigerian food and tradition, I'll See You in Ijebu captures the joy of special moments spent with family.

• Relatable for kids who travel to see extended family for the holidays.
• Illustrates a multi-faith family who celebrates both Catholic and Muslim holidays.
• Endnotes include information about Eid-al-Adha and the food, fashion, and faiths in Nigeria (including a recipe for Nigerian puff puff!)

El mercado está lleno de gente. Mamá está ocupada con sus compras. Bebé también está ocupado! Puedes contar todos los sabrosos manjares que Bebé consigue y come en el camino?


When Baby and Mama go to the market, Baby is so adorable that the banana seller gives him six bananas. Baby eats one and puts five in the basket, but Mama doesn't notice. As Mama and Baby wend their way through the stalls, cheeky Baby collects five oranges, four biscuits, three ears of sweet corn, two pieces of coconut . . . until Mama notices that her basket is getting very heavy! Poor Baby, she thinks, he must be very hungry by now! Rhythmic language, visual humor, and a bounty of delectable food make this a tale that is sure to whet little appetites for story time.