Tafara lived with her parents and little sister, Tanaka. More importantly, she lived right next door to her grandparents, Gogo and Khulu. She loved going to their house every day after school and especially on Saturday afternoons, after all her lessons were done. Gogo was always up to something wonderful, like baking, cooking or making decorations. What was so special about her was that she would always let Tafara and Tanaka join in on the fun. This Saturday, Gogo was doing Tafara's favourite 'Gogo-thing': sewing. She loved the noise of the machine and the amazing pieces that Gogo came up with. On this occasion, her creation was no less glorious than all the others before, but this one had a little extra magic sewn in its seams. It was something that helped her see just why the world was full of beautiful colours…and all the shades in between.
Fadzisai Gukuta (nee Musa) is a pharmacist by profession and also a singer/songwriter, simply Shamiso. She now adds being an author to her growing list of credentials as she debuts this illustrated offering. Born and raised in the picturesque Zimbabwe, she writes mainly in English but seasons her work with sprinklings of her native language, Shona. She has lived in Birmingham, UK, for most of her adult life.
Customer
Reviews
7 reviews
-
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. We couldn't put it down, and I know it will be picked up again and again! It is a really uplifting, informative book about race which is pitched perfectly for children. It started a conversation in our family which I know will continue for years to come!
-
Highly recommended, brilliant book for children that discusses race issues in an age-appropriate way. My son loved it and it has strong and positive messages in it for old and young alike.
-
This heartwarming story was lovely to read with my children aged 9 and 7. It is the perfect balance of educational and eye-opening about big themes (such as race, family, disability and diversity) as well as being light-hearted and fun. My kids have discovered all about melanin which they still talk about months after reading it. I can’t wait to read it to my 1 year old someday too. Strongly recommend it
-
Well written and illustrated. I enjoyed the integration of Shona into the story - not only did it make the story authentic but it added another dimension to the overarching message of differences and accepting those differences and loving people in spite of and sometimes even because of their differences. Very good.
-
Such a beautifully written and illustrated book with a key message of dignity and respect with great values… I loved it! Can’t wait for more! Highly recommended!
-
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I found it really refreshing in the way it addresses a very important subject, and also culturally enriching. It's a fun and happy story with a beautiful setting, and at the same time a great educational tool.
Really well done.
Rochester, UK
-
My one year old niece picked up the book, turned the pages and was immediately fascinated by the illustrations. She actually smiled and looked at me and I saw the wonder in her eyes. Fast forward to 6 months later and she still loves the pictures and often picks the book out from her book shelf and asks me to read to her. I don't mind doing this over and over again because the story feels so familiar with images of people that are just as familiar and not from a far-away land. I will be buying this book for my three other nieces. The author did a great job with this story.
Write a Review
