Jollof Day

Illustrated by Annalise Barber-Opp
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Hardcover
$19.99 US
10.38"W x 10.31"H x 0.34"D  
On sale Jan 28, 2025 | 40 Pages | 9780593406441
Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD610L | Fountas & Pinnell N

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A picture book bursting with life and flavors about a son and his father cooking up a beloved dish that originated in West Africa—jollof recipe included!

Early in the morning while the sun is still rising, a young boy wakes his father for something special—it’s Jollof Day!

With clanging pots and pans, lots of chopped tomatoes and onions, and a secret blend of spices, this father and son dance to the music of kitchen noise while something delicious burbles on the stove.

With bouncing text that begs to be read aloud and exuberant illustrations full of momentum, Jollof Day is a celebration of the dishes that bring a family together.
Bernard Mensah works in software engineering by day and writes stories by night. He is the author of titles like Esi the Brave and Yawa the Adventurer. He is passionate about Black and African representation in publishing and founded HabermanNerds to nurture and promote African storytelling. He grew up in Ghana, climbing trees, playing soccer, and dreaming up stories at the library. Bernard now lives in the United Kingdom with his two rambunctious boys. View titles by Bernard Mensah
"Mensah’s bouncy text makes lovely use of alliteration and vocabulary . . . vibrant, billowing illustrations and illustrated text that dances across the page. . . . this one will make an ideal read-aloud any day of the year." —Kirkus

"Vibrant illustrations swoop across the pages, mirroring the fervor of the cooks as they prepare
the meal. Their contagious enthusiasm will send readers to the kitchen to try out the recipe at the
back. An enjoyable contemporary celebration of food and family with cultural specificity and
universal appeal." —Booklist
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About

A picture book bursting with life and flavors about a son and his father cooking up a beloved dish that originated in West Africa—jollof recipe included!

Early in the morning while the sun is still rising, a young boy wakes his father for something special—it’s Jollof Day!

With clanging pots and pans, lots of chopped tomatoes and onions, and a secret blend of spices, this father and son dance to the music of kitchen noise while something delicious burbles on the stove.

With bouncing text that begs to be read aloud and exuberant illustrations full of momentum, Jollof Day is a celebration of the dishes that bring a family together.

Author

Bernard Mensah works in software engineering by day and writes stories by night. He is the author of titles like Esi the Brave and Yawa the Adventurer. He is passionate about Black and African representation in publishing and founded HabermanNerds to nurture and promote African storytelling. He grew up in Ghana, climbing trees, playing soccer, and dreaming up stories at the library. Bernard now lives in the United Kingdom with his two rambunctious boys. View titles by Bernard Mensah

Praise

"Mensah’s bouncy text makes lovely use of alliteration and vocabulary . . . vibrant, billowing illustrations and illustrated text that dances across the page. . . . this one will make an ideal read-aloud any day of the year." —Kirkus

"Vibrant illustrations swoop across the pages, mirroring the fervor of the cooks as they prepare
the meal. Their contagious enthusiasm will send readers to the kitchen to try out the recipe at the
back. An enjoyable contemporary celebration of food and family with cultural specificity and
universal appeal." —Booklist

Photos

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additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

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