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I'll See You in Ijebu

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Hardcover ISBN: 9781646868438 CA$22.99 In stock	- +
Paperback ISBN: 9781646868445 CA$12.99 In stock	- +

Written by Bunmi Emenanjo

Illustrated by Diana Ejaita

A Catholic girl growing up in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria takes a trip to spend a week with her Muslim extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Her days in Ijebu are filled with celebrations, traditions and special time connecting with family. Breathtaking illustration and poetic writing draws the reader into the sensory experience of celebrating Eid in Nigeria, while detailed endmatter includes information about Nigeria and Eid al-Adha, recipe for Nigerian puff puff and more

Key Selling Points:

GLOBAL: Offers a glimpse into modern daily life in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, both in the huge city of Lagos and in the countryside.
AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION: Nigerian American author and Italian Nigerian illustrator have lived experience in Lagos and Ijebu.
MULTI-FAITH FAMILIES: Displays the richness and complexity of multi-faith family life.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL: The story of traveling to a family ancestral home for a holiday – and the warmth of family traditions – will be relatable for many children.
LYRICAL TEXT: Poetic writing draws the reader into the sensory experience of celebrating Eid in Nigeria.
GORGEOUS ILLUSTRATIONS: Brought to life by Nigerian-Italian Illustrator Diana Ejaita, whose distinctive artwork can be seen in The New York Times, New Yorker Magazine, and beyond.
ENDNOTES: Includes detailed educational notes about Nigeria and Eid al-Adha, recipe for Nigerian puff puff and more!

More Details

Product Dimensions: 8.50 x 10.75 in
Page Count: 32 pages
Age Range: 4-10 years
Leveling: R
Grade Level: 4

Awards & Accolades

A Read With Jenna Bookclub Pick on The TODAY Show!

★ “Eight-year-old Olu visits her mother’s family in Ijebu, Nigeria, as they observe Eid al-Adha . . . A loving embrace of faith and family and a wonderful window into Nigerian culture” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A delightful story of one young girl and the rich culture and family she comes from” – Cannonball Read

“[Olu’s] richly evoked experience, from sweltering cars and puff-puff hawkers to making pepper soup, will resonate with anyone whose family involves more than one heritage or tradition” – The Guardian

“I’ll See You in Ijebu is a gorgeous vibrant story told through the eyes of a young Nigerian girl in Lagos.… It’s a story about the excitement of going to visit grandparents and seeing cousins and extended family” – Deana Dueno, educator

“A story to be read again and again. Good for the entire family, and a must-have for middle school libraries” – School Library Journal

“Her richly evoked experience, from sweltering cars and puff-puff hawkers to making pepper soup, will resonate with anyone whose family involves more than one heritage or tradition” – The Guardian, Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels

About the Contributors

Written by - Bunmi Emenanjo

Bunmi Emenanjo is an attorney and entrepreneur. Born in the United States and raised in Nigeria, her childhood and culture inspire her writing. In 2019, she founded Atlas Book Club, a company focused on curating diverse children's books in an intentional manner. When she is not practicing law or working on Atlas Book Club, Bunmi is reading, traveling, and writing stories that fill the heart and move the spirit. Bunmi lives in Maryland with her husband, her three children, and a devoted Black Russian terrier named Shadow. She is represented by Ellen Goff of HG Literary.

Illustrated by - Diana Ejaita

Diana Ejaita works as an illustrator and textile designer in Berlin. What sets her illustrations apart is a combination of dramatically contrasting areas of black and white with soft patterns and textures that create images that portray the strength of femininity. Born in Cremona, Italy with Nigerian origins, her aesthetic pays homage to her lineage.