That’s probably part of the reason I’m so enormously fond of this new Anna Hibiscus series by Nigeria-born author Atinuke. Even if you answered yes to both (A) and (B), can you still guarantee me that the book is really well written with phenomenal illustrations? Cause aside from the occasional White Elephant or Rickshaw Girl there’s not a whole heckuva lot to choose from. We’re talking about near non-existent ones in the American book marketplace.

Please do me the favor of now asking yourself the following questions about said book: (A) Does it contain characters from another country? If you answered yes, then (B) Are those characters human? At this point, we aren’t even talking about rare early chapter books. Lots exist, to a certain extent (and if you know where to look). the really well written early chapter book. The goal, the gem, the one kind of book all children’s librarians seek but know are so difficult to find. More elusive than good picture books for older readers. The rare dual review! I hardly ever do them, but today is special. I just came across this interview with Atinuke over on Playing by the Book!Ītinuke now has a version of Anna Hibiscus that is a full-color picture book for kids, called Anna Hibiscus’ Song.Kane Miller (a division of EDC Publishing) If you’re looking for great early chapter books for girls, I can’t recommend this series highly enough! Anna Hibiscus Books by Atinuke And we will definitely keep an eye out for anything else that she writes. I see that Atinuke’s written another book called The No 1 Car Spotter that we will seek out. We both wish there were more books in the series. The stories could stand on their own, but boy, the illustrations sure add a lot (and especially for a five year old).įinishing the last Anna Hibiscus story was bittersweet. The wonderful, personable illustrations are by Lauren Tobia. The stories are interesting, well told, and usually feature a gentle lesson, about things like family, class, tradition, slowing down, and courage. The stories feature a young girl who lives in Africa with her African father, Canadian mother, her twin baby brothers, Double and Trouble, her grandmother and grandfather, her aunts and uncles, and all of her many cousins. During the time that we’ve been reading these, she’s frequently said that she wished she were Anna Hibiscus and was always, always impatient to read more. These are easily my favorite of the chapter books that Maia and I have read together so far (and I suspect her favorite as well). What a sweet, sweet series of early chapter books for girls written by Atinuke, a Nigerian author. Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa.

Anna hibiscus story