Wanjiku, Child of Mine - by Ciiku Ndung'u-Case (Paperback)

About the Book

"In the lush Kenyan countryside, a young Gikäyäu girl helps her grandmother with daily tasks. Here, as she tends to the cows, carries water, and plays in the fruit trees and sugarcane, she is called Wanjikäu. On the busy city streets of Nairobi, where she goes to school, she is called by her English name, Catherine. But at home with Wangaräi, the maid who cooks and cares for her, she is again Wanjikäu. All grown up in boarding school, Catherine is the leader of her class, surrounded by friends from different cultural backgrounds. But at night, when she gathers with her fellow Gikäyäu sisters to speak her mother tongue, she is Wanjikäu once more."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

A CBC Spring 2024 Showcase Selection

No matter where she goes, or how big she grows, Wanjikũ knows her name.

Librarian Favorites: Third to Fifth Grade

In the lush Kenyan countryside, a young Gikũyũ girl helps her grandmother with daily tasks. Here, as she tends to the cows, carries water, and plays in the fruit trees and sugarcane, she is called Wanjikũ.

On the busy city streets of Nairobi, where she goes to school, she is called by her English name, Catherine. But at home with Wangarĩ, the maid who cooks and cares for her, she is again Wanjikũ.

All grown up in boarding school, Catherine is the leader of her class, surrounded by friends from different cultural backgrounds. But at night, when she gathers with her fellow Gikũyũ sisters to speak her mother tongue, she is Wanjikũ once more.

Gloriously illustrated, alive with the joie de vivre of girlhood, and based on the author's own beloved childhood memories, Wanjikũ, Child of Mine is an ode to the heritage that walks alongside us, and a love song for the sisters we make on the journey.

Review Quotes

"In this vibrantly colored picture book, readers follow a young Kenyan girl through her stages of childhood in three very different settings.[...] Young readers interested in Africa and Kenya in particular will enjoy this trip to an attractive and exciting destination." -- Susan Harari, Youth Services Book Review

"Impressively illustrated with the artwork of Karen Vermeulen, celebrating a young girl's joy, Wanjiku, Child of Mine is a picture book based on author Ciiku Ndungu-Case's own childhood memories. Showcasing the value of heritage, Wanjiku, Child of Mine is a unique and memorable read from start to finish. While especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 6-9, it should be noted for personal reading lists that Wanjiku, Child of Mine is also readily available in a digital book format as well." -- Midwest Book Review

"Through the engaging narrative and calm brush strokes, children are taken on a journey across the vibrant landscapes of Kenya. Karen Vermeulen brings the story to life in parts where words are silent. [...] This 32-paged picture book amplifies children's understanding of diversity, inclusion, culture, language and how bonds are created beyond the four walls of the home. In a world bubbling with a symphony of identities, there's a Wanjikũ in every one of us." -- Ayo Oyeku, World Kid Lit

"Vibrant, textured illustrations accompany this eloquent picture book about embracing your identity." -- Foreword Reviews

Wankiju, "Child of Mine deserves to be included in both school and public libraries.[...] This book is a model for the importance of telling and retelling children the stories of who they are and where they come from, providing them a foundation that will serve them well throughout their lives." -- Global Lit in Libraries Initiative

"Wanjiku, Child of Mine is a beautiful story of identity and origin, of family bonds and forging new connections. Ciiku Ndung'u-Case's lilting language, along with Karen Vermeulen's evocative illustrations, transports young readers to lush Kenya. This story is a treat of unexpected childhood delights, community connections, and resilience." -- Kashmira Sheth, author of Tiger in my Soup and Feast of Peas

"Ciiku's words transported me to the heart and soul of Kenya and will open the young reader's eyes to a world far beyond their own. I was moved by this one-of-a-kind story filled with deep cultural details, rich nuances, and a main character proud of her culture and heritage. Bold, bright, and beautiful artwork fills each page with joy, and children will come away feeling like they have just been on an incredible journey with Wanjiku, from her village to the big city, from her family to her friends who surround her with love and fill her with a sense of belonging. A must-read!" -- Namita Moolani Mehra, author of The Light Within You and Anni Dreams of Biryani

"[A] beautifully narrated tale about how language and identity are intrinsically connected. The art is rich and textural, mirroring the Gikũyũ culture. Karen Vermeulen wonderfully supplements the narrative with her pictures - which are lush, pattern-rich but at the same time allow for muted, thoughtful moments." -- Chaaya Prabhat, illustrator of The Best Diwali Ever andBest of All: The Magical Mix in You

About the Author

Ciiku Ndung'u-Case is the founder of the Cheza Nami Foundation, a California based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes play-based cultural education and diversity awareness, inspired by Ciiku's childhood in rural Kenya and the lack of accessible educational resources on Africa for her twins, born in 2007. Ciiku's work in creating cultural awareness programs has appeared in CBS News, TEDx Livermore, the Oakland Magazine, and several California news outlets. An immigrant and first generation college graduation, Ciiku holds a Master's degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and is a leader in strategic planning in the pharmaceutical industry. Wanjiku, Child of Mine is based on Ciiku's childhood in Kenya.

Karen Vermeulen is an artist, illustrator and teacher living in Cape Town, South Africa, known for her happy, uplifting and quirky creations. She is the illustrator of the 2023 release, It's Just Skin, Silly!.