"Gentle, inspiring, and important... for parents looking to quell children's fears, support their dreams, and allow them room to grow." - Kirkus Reviews "When we went to a beach, my tummy felt tight.but it still felt wrong inside. Definitely... possibly...Perhaps I'd swim - next time." At first the big blue sea makes them feel small and scared. Then the child visits a lake and a river, and their fear of water gradually starts to ebb as curiosity begins to flow. A wonderful book for any child who is feeling nervous about new experiences, with lyrical words by Emily Joof and bold, dynamic illustrations by Matilda Ruta.

I Will Swim Next Time

Children's Books

Joof, Emily

Sports & Outdoors

Floris Books

A young Black girl overcomes self-doubt and embraces her unique superheroprincess identity in this energetic and empowering book from the author of I Will Swim Next Time. Halima can't decide who to dress up as for her friend's birthday party. Should she be a princess like Elsa, or a sort-of superhero like Pippi Longstocking? You can't be either," her friends tell her, "because you don't look like them." Mama assures Halima can be whoever she wants to be, and together they discover more strong, brave women to look up to. Can Halima find the confidence to become her own unique superhero princess? Heartfelt and uplifting, Halima's story encourages pride and self-expression in young readers, and introduces them to inspiring women of colour from around the world. African-diaspora mother Emily Joof is the author of I Will Swim Next Time . &#8491;sa Gilland's vibrant and lively illustrations are full of fun. "

Halima, Superhero Princess

Science Fiction & Fantasy

About the Author\nEmily Joof is an African-diaspora mum with a great love for storytelling. Her writing showcases and celebrates multiculturalism and the West African Diaspora proudly.\nAsma Enayeh is a French-Syrian illustrator who grew up in Damascus and lives in Dubai. She’s a passionate surface designer who is inspired by the colors and patterns around her.\nA bittersweet celebration of the everlasting bond between a mother and child through the changing phases of their lives. 
The thread between a mother and child starts to unwind when the child begins to walk, talk, and run. It stretches a little more on the first day of school. It swirls and unfurls the further the child gets from Mom’s reach. One thing is constant ― that it always remains. 
Emily Joof channeled her Gambian upbringing to pen this story, which was inspired by a local tradition of leaving a thread with the child when a parent travels.

The Unbreakable Thread

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Soaring Kite Books

Ella & Louis have just arrived in The Gambia for their winter holidays. 
Settling at home, Louis is already missing sweet strawberries from Stockholm.\nJoin Ella as she takes her brother on a yummy fruit tasting tour and discover fruits native to West Africa that you might have never seen before! 
Along the way, see if you can find Happy, their adorable little dog who loves a game of hide and seek!\nA light-hearted journey of discovery with beautiful illustrations and photographs. 
This charming book shares some of the beauty found in the smallest country in Africa.

Mangoes & MonkeyBread; Fruity Fun with Ella & Louis in the Gambia

Literature & Fiction

Mbifebooks

Our Favourite Things is a vivid and engaging story of discovery and love. We meet a Gambian-Swedish family who give the reader a glimpse of both worlds that they call home.\nAs children grow and search for a space where they belong, this book can serve as a reminder and celebration that you can exist in more than one space.\nA unique story which presents the idea of Home as more than a place.\nA powerful picture book that celebrates multiculturalism.

Our Favourite Things. The Story of Home in The Gambia and Sweden

Travel

Africa