About this item
Highlights
- Readers are invited to a joyous cultural celebration full of delicious food, laughter, and love in Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah's charming picture book, adorably brought to life by debut illustrator Bri Marie McNish.
- 3-6 Years
- 10.27" x 8.34" Hardcover
- 32 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Family
Description
About the Book
A little girl and her Ghanaian extended family joyfully prepare to celebrate the arrival of a new baby in this warm, inviting picture book.Book Synopsis
Readers are invited to a joyous cultural celebration full of delicious food, laughter, and love in Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah's charming picture book, adorably brought to life by debut illustrator Bri Marie McNish.
In Ghana and some other west African countries, when a baby is born, the extended family prepares for a whole week to welcome the little one at a celebration called an outdooring. Andani can't wait to meet her new baby cousin, but a week is so long!
Review Quotes
"Capturing the characters' delight, energy, and movement, the story brings to life a loving West African community. In the warm digital illustrations, each family member's brown skin is depicted with richness and depth. A joyful tale, steeped in cultural meaning." --Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah have been partners of one kind or another for more than 10 years. Their picture book collaboration started in 2020, when Samantha asked Reuben for input on a picture book idea about a west African outdooring ceremony. Reuben shared his knowledge and insights, and their book Waiting to Welcome was born. Now, Samantha and Reuben write stories that help them share and celebrate their kids' bicultural Ghanaian-American family, traditions, and community. Outside of writing, Samantha and Reuben have four kids, and enjoy exploring local greenways, cooking, and watching Japanese TV with their kids.
Bri Marie McNish is a self-taught illustrator based in New England. At a young age, she was instilled with a love of fairy tales and fables, and now she aims to create art that features inclusive characters and cozy settings she wished she saw in the media she loved as a child. When not illustrating, she has a deep love for black tea, romantic comedies, and especially her loud cat, Garfield. Waiting to Welcome is her first picture book.
