Meet Ayo
When Ayo struggles to fall asleep, he tumbles into an extraordinary journey across the African diaspora, where he experiences creative and resilient cultures that share his heritage. From hip-hop to kente cloth, from Mansa Musa to revolution, the African diaspora has inspired the world! Back-of-the-book resources further explore connections between the nations, cultures, and traditions represented on both sides of the Atlantic, for a deeper understanding of the African diaspora.
Endorsements
“As a lifelong literacy advocate, I seek out children’s books that help kids explore the world around them. Ayo’s Adventure is a journey through the sights and sounds of the African diaspora. I loved hanging out with Ayo on his adventure. I learned so much”
— LeVar Burton, Actor + Children’s Literacy Advocate
“Ayo’s Adventure is a dreamy and illustrious stroll through Black history and culture. It is a beautiful and brilliant reminder that Blackness is both deep and wide and joyful. It is everything I would read to my three free Black children”
— Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson, Ph.D, Chair of the Africana Studies Department at Wellesley College
"We’re looking at everything from hip-hop to kente cloth, from Mansa Musa to revolution. Plus the cultures and countries represented include Trinidad and Tobago, the Dogon and Makonde people, Nigeria, African American culture, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Ghana, Haiti, Mali, Egypt, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Xhosa, Yoruba, and Zulu. And that’s not all! . . . Great backmatter! It explores connections between the nations, cultures, and traditions represented on both sides of the Atlantic. This one? A keeper"
— Betsy Bird, Fuse 8 Blog, School Library Journal
Ayo’s Adventure Art Installation and StoryWalk™
Ayo's Tree sculpture this winter at The Concord Museum this winter.
Visit our sculpture and StoryWalk™ inspired by Ayo’s Adventure!
This powerful installation aims to convey the profound influence of the African diaspora on traditions in the U.S. and around the globe, while underscoring the vital role of storytelling in connecting us to our shared heritage.
Dates:
April 11th - October 31st, 2025
Location:
The Robbins House
320 Monument St, Concord, MA 01742
Sculpture and StoryWalk™ outside on the grounds.
About the Robbins House:
The Robbins House is a Concord-based nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness of Concord’s African, African American, and antislavery history from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Their mission is to reveal the little known African American history of Concord and its regional and national importance. Our vision is to inspire conversation, expand understanding and contribute to a better society.
The Robbins House
Watch artists Char Jeré and Meaghan Elyse create the sculpture for the Concord Museum from concept to set up.
Meet the Author & Illustrator
Ain Heath Drew is the author of Ari J.’s Kinky, Curly Crown. She is inspired by the power of words and loves writing beautiful stories for children. As an educator, Ain uses books to expand her students’ knowledge about the world around them. Ain lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and enjoys spending time with her son, DJ, learning about different cultures around the globe, exploring new places, and reading.
Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art. Erin's illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and the Washington Post, and she has illustrated numerous picture books, including A Library by Nikki Giovanni. Erin splits her time between Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC.
Download Free Educational Resources
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