By Ayo Oyeku
Africa is home to stories, history and memory. The continent is born out of ancient wisdom, bold beauty, and enduring pride. From the sun-warmed villages to the far-stretched calling rivers and the rich traditions that travel beyond the continent, its cultures shine through intricate braids and powerful water spirits, through family bonds and sacred symbols, through every style and song that carries the past into the present. Here, heritage is not a distant memory but a crowning glory full of meaning.
The selected authors for this review draw from this deep well of African cultural heritage. With their thoughtful words and vivid storytelling, they invite children into worlds where identity is celebrated, roots are honoured, and the strength of tradition becomes a source of courage and joy. These stories do more than entertain; they plant seeds of pride and belonging, showing young readers that their heritage is both beautiful and powerful. Yet they are not only for African children; they are for every child. This is an invitation to see the richness of cultural roots, to feel their quiet strength, and to carry that pride forward with confidence. Let us celebrate together.
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim
Fear can be a big invisible fist that grips a child’s heart. This fist comes in many forms; crowd, height, place, language, identity, and sometimes it can be water. Fear of water can leave a child feeling left out, especially when friends splash freely at the lake. Ghanian American writer Kobina Commeh tells a warm and empowering story about young Kwesi, who cannot swim. His beloved Nana Ruby comes to his rescue as she admits she shares the same fear, drawn from a chilling experience. Together they make a simple deal to learn, drawing strength from their shared Ghanaian heritage and water spirit Mami Wata.
This gently layered story is both heartfelt and accessible, making it a joy to share aloud. The illustrations by Brazilian illustrator Bárbara Quintino complement the text beautifully. They are vibrant and rich in colour, filled with warm domestic scenes, geometric patterns reminiscent of kente cloth, and the emotional journey of grandmother and grandson as they find courage in the water. The end notes in this well-written picture book include a celebration of the Ghanaian heritage, Adinkra symbols, and the legend of Mami Wata. This is a story I strongly recommend.
Hairstory
MY HAIR IS HISTORY.
Woven into patterns
From thousands of years ago.
Centuries of meaning
are braided on my head.
This picture book is poetry in words and colours. Here, hair is more than style; it is history, identity, art, and pride carried on every strand. Nigerian Sope Martins tells a lyrical and illuminating story through the eyes of a young girl having her hair styled. At times, it is woven into fine braids and cornrows. Other times, it is bound and styled into locs, Bantu knots and much more. Sometimes, the hair is decorated with feathers, cowries, pearls and threads of gold. Across each page, Sope takes us on a journey across ancient traditions to the present day, in celebration of the rich African heritage behind the hair.
This beautifully crafted book weaves poetry with accessible facts, making it a joy to read aloud and return to again and again. The illustrations by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu complement the text superbly. They are vibrant, richly textured, and full of earthy tones that capture the beauty, dignity, and cultural depth of Black hair across time and place. This is a story I strongly recommend, as it draws children to the profound meaning of African hair traditions, the power of self-acceptance, and the inspiring pride that comes with knowing one’s roots. I’m sure children across the world will wear history on their heads by trying out the hair styles.
About Ayo Oyeku
Ayo Oyeku enjoyed kidlit as a child and still does as an adult. Countless adventures into the imaginary world of children spurred him into becoming an author. And today, he has written thirteen amazing books for children and won notable awards, too. Not only does he write for kids, he also enjoys reading to them and discussing children literature at literary panels. He is also the founder of Eleventh House Publishing–a small press focused on bringing happy and meaningful books to the lives of children and adults. He chuckles every time he hears the Spanish phrase, mi casa es su casa, because he believes the world is our home and should not be separated by our tribes, countries or continents. He hopes to travel to Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel. His new chapter book, Breadcrumbs, will be published in the last quarter of this year by Pages Press, under Olukoni imprint.
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