Awards

• Commended for 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Books 2025
• Winner of 2025 English 4–11 Picture Book Awards 2025

Overview

Ayo takes an imaginative journey around the globe to discover the beauty and resilience of the African diaspora. With extensive endnotes. When Ayo struggles to fall asleep, he tumbles into an extraordinary journey across the African diaspora, where he experiences creative and resilient cultures that share his heritage. From hip-hop to kente cloth, from Mansa Musa to revolution, the African diaspora has inspired the world! Endmatter further explores connections between the nations, cultures, and traditions represented on both sides of the Atlantic, for a deeper understanding of the African diaspora. AGES: 5 to 10 AUTHOR: Ain Drew is the author of Ari J.'s Kinky, Curly Crown. She is inspired by the power of words and loves writing beautiful stories for children. As an educator, Ain uses books to expand her students' knowledge about the world around them. Ain lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and enjoys spending time with her son, DJ, learning about different cultures around the globe, exploring new places, and reading. Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art. Erin's illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and the Washington Post, and she has illustrated numerous picture books, including A Library by Nikki Giovanni. Erin splits her time between Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC. SELLING POINTS: . AFRICAN DIASPORA: This unique introduction to a vast and powerful global concept offers an engaging entryway to explore many diverse cultures, historical figures, nations, events, and movements within the African diaspora. . IDENTITY: Making connections between the Americas and Africa helps Ayo appreciate his deep roots and the accomplishments of his people; themes of belonging and interconnectedness. . BREATHTAKING ARTWORK: Vibrant digital art by award-winning illustrator Erin K. Robinson infuses Ayo's journey with energy and authentic detail, using patterns and styles that highlight the cultures represented. . EDUCATIONAL: Main spreads include helpful extras like info boxes and country labels, while robust endnotes deepen engagement with the story. . DIVERSITY: cultures and countries represented include Trinidad and Tobago, the Dogon and Makonde people, Nigeria, African American culture, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Ghana, Haiti, Mali, Egypt, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Xhosa, Yoruba, and Zulu. Spiritual traditions represented include Yoruba beliefs and Islam. Crowd scenes include a person in a wheelchair.

Full Product Details

9798888592120

Table of Contents

Reviews

“As a lifelong literacy advocate, I seek out children’s books that help kids explore the world around them.  Ayo’s Adventure is a journey through the sights and sounds of the African diaspora. I loved hanging out with Ayo on his adventure. I learned so much.” - LeVar Burton, Actor + Children’s Literacy Advocate “Ayo’s Adventure is a dreamy and illustrious stroll through Black history and culture. It is a beautiful and brilliant reminder that Blackness is both deep and wide and joyful. It is everything I would read to my three free Black children” – Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson, Ph.D, Chair of the Africana Studies Department at Wellesley College

“Ayo’s Adventure is a dreamy and illustrious stroll through Black history and culture. It is a beautiful and brilliant reminder that Blackness is both deep and wide and joyful. It is everything I would read to my three free Black children” – Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson, Ph.D, Chair of the Africana Studies Department at Wellesley College

Author Information

Ain Drew is the author of Ari J.’s Kinky, Curly Crown. She is inspired by the power of words and loves writing beautiful stories for children. As an educator, Ain uses books to expand her students’ knowledge about the world around them. Ain lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and enjoys spending time with her son, DJ, learning about different cultures around the globe, exploring new places, and reading. Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art. Erin's illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and the Washington Post, and she has illustrated numerous picture books, including A Library by Nikki Giovanni. Erin splits her time between Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC.

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