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Ayo's Adventure

Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu

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Paperback

ISBN: 9798888592120

$16.99
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Hardcover

ISBN: 9798888592113

$19.99
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Written by Ain Heath Drew
Illustrated by Erin K. Robinson

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! Endmatter further explores connections between the nations, cultures, and traditions represented on both sides of the Atlantic, for a deeper understanding of the African diaspora.


Key Selling Points:
  • AFRICAN DIASPORA: This unique introduction to a vast and powerful global concept offers an engaging entryway to explore many diverse cultures, historical figures, nations, events, and movements within the African diaspora.
  • IDENTITY: Making connections between the Americas and Africa helps Ayo appreciate his deep roots and the accomplishments of his people; themes of belonging and interconnectedness.
  • BREATHTAKING ARTWORK: Vibrant digital art by award-winning illustrator Erin K. Robinson infuses Ayo’s journey with energy and authentic detail, using patterns and styles that highlight the cultures represented.
  • EDUCATIONAL: Main spreads include helpful extras like info boxes and country labels, while robust endnotes deepen engagement with the story.
  • DIVERSITY: 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. Spiritual traditions represented include Yoruba beliefs and Islam. Crowd scenes include a person in a wheelchair.


More Details

  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 11.8 in
  • Page Count: 56 pages
  • Age Range: Ages 5-10 years

Awards & Accolades

“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 and children’s literacy advocate

“A Black child receives a bedtime lesson on the interconnectedness of the African diaspora“ – Kirkus Reviews

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

“A gentle but enormously powerful introduction to the Diaspora, Ayo’s Adventure is a joyfully inventive journey that can inspire readers of all ages to explore the many ways that people of African heritage around the world are connected” – Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, author of Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat

Ayo’s Adventure takes readers on an exciting and educational journey through the African diaspora. With its vibrant illustrations, and unexpected turns, this delightful book showcases the diversity of the Black experience throughout the entire world” – Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, Director of Africana Studies at Northeastern University

“A book brimming with affirmations of Blackness! Ayo’s Adventure is a love letter that reveals to be part of the African Diaspora is to be part of a global community of Black brilliance, Black creativity, Black resilience, Black joy” – Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, adapter of New York Times Bestseller Stamped (For Kids) and author of Antiracist Reading Revolution

“Structured as an ABC book (A is for Afro, B is for Braids, C is for Calypso), Ayo’s adventure takes him all around the globe . . . This is a valuable book to serve as a mirror or window for a wide variety of readers and reading levels” – School Library Journal

“Young readers can connect through the storytelling as well as Robinson's eye-catching watercolor illustrations that illuminate each section, bringing Ayo’s dream world to life” – Booklist

About the Contributors

Written by - Ain Heath Drew
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.
Illustrated by - Erin K. Robinson
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.

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