Posted on: 25/01/2022
Ubuntu! A pleasing sounding word and in just three small syllables, this ancient South African word, steeped in history, expresses so much: Ubuntu is togetherness; connectedness – in that all of our actions have an impact on others (positive and negative); Ubuntu is respect, compassion, understanding. And Ubuntu translates as: I am, because you are. I am, because you are: we coexist; I exist because of you; I see you. What an utterly beautiful sentiment! And this sense of self and awareness of others is something that time and time again, we write about in our literature reviews because literature is one of the most important conduits for the message that Ubuntu represents. And if we get literature in our schools ‘right’ then children will feel seen. With all of this in mind, this month’s selection of newly published children’s literature perfectly exemplifies texts that carry this message. And – as an aside – all three choices feature vibrant yellows and oranges throughout: much-needed sunshine at this time of year!
I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu by Refiloe Moahloli, illustrated by Zinelda McDonald (Amazon Crossing Kids, 1st February 2022)
This is the beautiful book that was the inspiration for the theme of this month’s literature review. Written as a series of reflections or teachings, this gentle and evocative text is perfect for holding discussions with the very youngest of children about empathy and developing an awareness of others’ needs. Throughout, the thoughts and declarations echo the overall sentiment of I am, because you are. A little girl dances with her friend at a disco: When I look into your eyes, I see your beauty. I love you. And because I love you, I love myself too. Here, is also a message of acceptance and reflecting others’ lived experiences for the friend is dancing in his wheelchair. When I smile as our eyes meet… when I hug you as I say hello… when I share what little I have with you… and when I walk home with you after school… I love you and I love myself too.
Zinelda McDonald’s illustrations beautifully capture the light and joy that the Ubuntu philosophy embodies and the way she depicts connectedness such as the drawing of a circle of friends holding hands; the children speaking different languages together but all saying the same thing supports the principles of the philosophy.
The book carries a powerful message that if young people grow up treating others as they themselves wish to be treated, they will have greater self-esteem and become kinder and more thoughtful adults. This is extended to themes around environmentalism and how if we look after our planet, our planet will look after us. Perfect for use with children in Nursery and Reception. This would even make a lovely gift to welcome a new baby with.
Anansi and the Golden Pot by Taiye Selasi, illustrated by Tinuke Fagborun (DK Children, 6th January 2022)
A first children’s book for British-American writer and photographer Taiye Selasi, this is an Anansi story told using a glittering array of beautiful description, exquisitely depicted Ghanaian coastal scenery and mischievous characters. We meet Anansi - real-name Kweku - nicknamed so after the clever little spider with a sparkle in his eye. And just like his nick-name-sake, Anansi has sparkly eyes with spider leg- like lashes. At bedtime, Anansi loves to hear the traditional tales from Ghana, where his father was born. And there is one story about a certain mischievous little spider that he loves hearing most of all.
Then one winter… From the cold of the city he (Anansi) flew to the warmth of the beach where his father was born. Mum, dad and his two siblings stay with Nana who – just like Anansi – has long, spidery lashes. And it is on that beach on the coast of Ghana where the real adventure begins… Anansi meets a talking spider who signals the beginning of a magical adventure where a spoken charm enables Anansi to magic-up anything he desires from the golden pot.
The illustrations by the talented Tinuke Fagborun – born in the North of England, settled in London – gloriously portray the characters, especially the love that connects the family members. And the cheekiness of the hat-doffing, cane-wielding and slightly sarcastic yet kind little spider is delightful: we especially love the illustration of the spider riding on the back of a rubber duck when Anansi is taking a bath! In fact, we see the spider appearing in every scene and can’t help but wonder if he’s watching over Anansi. After all, the spider has made him promise: You must share what you love with those you love the most. But will Anansi share? And will he learn that – much like the message carried by I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu – if we keep the joy of something from others then we are preventing our own joy? A gorgeous riot of colourful joy and warmth both in the words and pictures, replete with information about the origins of these traditional Ghanaian tales as well as facts about the country at the back of the book. Perfect for children in key stage 1.
Frankie’s World by Aoife Dooley (Scholastic Fiction, 13th January 2022)
We love graphic novels and this one is no exception. What is exceptional, however, is the way in which author Aoife Dooley has created a world of characters that are relatable, we think, for so many reasons. Frankie doesn’t fit in. She’s bullied; ridiculed by peers and even one of her teachers; and is acutely aware that she’s different. Her friend Sam has similar experiences on account of her physical disability and the girls ‘hold’ each other up. Not only does Frankie experience the challenge of feeling different but she also has a growth delay – for which she’s under hospital monitoring – and so is physically smaller than her peers. As if those two challenges weren’t tricky enough to navigate, Frankie’s mum has a heart condition; her half sibling Abbey is extremely irritating and she longs to find out who her biological father is as – Frankie feels – this might shed some light on why she finds the world such a tricky place to be. The author herself received her own diagnosis of autism at the age of 27 and one can’t help but think that Frankie’s sometimes funny, but often physically and emotionally painful experiences are representative of some of the author’s lived experiences and those of others. What is very important to note, however, is – echoing what is written at the end of the novel where there are pages about what autism is; myths surrounding the diagnosis and how to be a good friend (oh and also what your superhero name is according to the combination of birth month and initial… mine’s Mystical Justice Juice, in case you wondered…) – is that Frankie’s character is also portrayed as someone who can succeed; can be recognised for her talents and skills just like her peers. Ergo, this isn’t just about someone’s struggles and limitations (perceived or otherwise) but it’s also a celebration of positivity, achievement, triumph over adversity and being true to oneself.
Children will feel ‘seen’ in this brilliantly insightful graphic novel which we’d recommend for children in upper key stage 2. It would be especially good for older but less-confident readers in that it would likely match the interests of an upper primary child without being overly demanding in terms of decoding.
Posted in: Literature Review
