Author & Illustrators
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 Book of People Like Me, written by Lynn Maslen Kertell and beautifully illustrated by Joelle Avelino, is a captivating children’s book that introduces young readers to the richness of diversity through a child-friendly lens. Avelino’s vibrant, engaging illustrations enhance the book’s appeal, helping children feel included and represented as they journey through the various cultures, skin tones, and traditions featured among the pages.
The story revolves around the concept of finding people who are “like me,” allowing young readers to identify similarities and differences with others in an empowering way. It encourages children to appreciate what makes each person unique, while also celebrating the values we share as a human family. This story invites children to see themselves in the book, fostering both self-confidence and a sense of connection with others. The language is simple and direct, making it easily understandable for younger readers, while still introducing them to the idea of multiculturalism in a meaningful way.
This book provides an excellent resource for exploring themes of identity, diversity, and belonging. It could be used effectively in PSHE sessions to facilitate discussions on inclusivity, kindness, and understanding. Teachers may also use it to introduce basic geography or cultural studies, as the book showcases people from different parts of the world, allowing young readers to gain an early appreciation of global diversity.
A Book of People Like Me is suitable for children in Reception to Year 2 (ages 4–7). For younger readers (Reception and Year 1), the book’s visual elements will capture their attention, while Year 2 students may be able to engage in more in-depth discussions about the book’s themes. Joelle Avelino’s illustrations bring warmth and inclusivity to the story, making it a memorable and valuable book for young children’s development.
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that tackles the very sensitive subject of slavery and the suffering endured by the characters’ ancestors through the colourful and uplifting background of carnival and celebration.
Man-man is a boy who is excitedly preparing for the London carnival, in particular his dancing, of which his nan doesn’t approve because she says it is like dancing with the devil. Nan is visiting to look after Man-Man’s mother who is ill and whose voice is fading away, much the same as her Grandma had during a past carnival season. The sickness worries Man-man and his sister Pan, so they are more determined to put on their best show for her.
The story follows their excitement during their preparations and the procession, where along with their friend Kareem, they draw the attention of spectators by their fabulous show on their float. Their mum watches them from her balcony and so Pan-Pan pleads with his heart, for his mum to get better. Inadvertently he has called the Queen of Revels, an apparition, a spirit who takes the three of them to a place of their ancestors, where the scent of flowers, orchards of mangoes and breadfruit trees and a soft warm breeze surrounds them. The queen eventually leads them all to the Tree of Memories and it is here where the story sensitively tackles Man-Man’s family’s painful roots and the darker meaning behind the carnival.
From the tree, they witness their ancestors being torn apart, but the author cleverly intertwines the present and the past to create a hopeful ending.
For anyone who wants to explore topics of African heritage, Black History or slavery, this is an excellent start.
Chino has to stay at home with her Papa while her Mama goes out to work. When Chino is worried that Mama might not come back, Mama leaves her sleeping scarf for her– the one she wears ‘to keep her hair all soft and nice’ – to play with for the day. The scarf weaves its way through Chino’s day with her, helping her play games and forming part of her conversations with both her grandparents and her Papa. The scarf is a reminder throughout the day of the love of her Mama and of the rest of her family, too.
Through this charming and seemingly simple story, Adichie explores the reversal of traditional home roles, the value of multi-generational family bonds, and the simple anxiety of a child who wants to know their parent will return. It’s a bright and colourful text to read aloud.
The 25th anniversary edition of Baroness Floella Benjamin’s classic memoir, Coming to England. With a foreword by the author and some additional historical information, this is the incredible story of Floella’s journey from Trinidad to London, as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords. It is gloriously illustrated throughout by Joelle Avelino, perfect for readers aged 9+.
Floella Benjamin was just a young girl when she, her sister and two brothers arrived in England in 1960 to join their parents, whom they had not seen for fifteen months. They had left their island home of Trinidad to make a new life in London – part of a whole generation of West Indians who were encouraged to move to Britain and help rebuild the country after the Second World War.
Reunited with her mother, Floella was too overwhelmed at first to care about the cold weather and the noise and dirt from the traffic. But, as her new life began, she was shocked and distressed by the rejection she experienced. She soon realized that the only way to survive was to work twice as hard and be twice as good as anyone else.
This inspirational story is a powerful reminder of how courage and determination can overcome adversity.
Explore the incredible history of Afro hair.
The Story of Afro Hair celebrates the fashion and styles of Afro hair over the last 5,000 years. From plaits to the Gibson Girl, cornrows to locks, the hi-top fade to funki dreds, The Story of Afro Hair is the ultimate book of Afro hairstories. Kicking off with an explanation of how Afro hair type grows and why, The Story of Afro Hair then takes us right back to the politics and fashion of Ancient Egypt. Speeding forwards to modern times we experience the Kingdom of Benin, Henry VIII’s court, the enslavement of African peoples, the Harlem Renaissance, the beginnings of Rastafarianism, Britain in the 1980s – and much more.
With profiles of inspirational key figures in the Afro hair beauty industry, such as Sara Spencer Washington, Madam CJ Walker, Viola Desmond, Lincoln Dyke, Dudley Dryden and Anthony Wade.
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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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