Anna Hibiscus

This charming chapter book introduces Anna Hibiscus, a lively young girl living in contemporary West Africa with her parents, twin baby brothers, and a multitude of extended family members in a bustling compound. Readers will delight in Anna's everyday adventures, which include a trip to the seaside, helping plan a party for an aunt visiting from Canada, observing local life, and dreaming of seeing snow. Acclaimed Nigerian storyteller Atinuke offers a heartwarming glimpse into a rich cultural setting, celebrating family bonds, curiosity, and the simple joys of childhood. It's perfect for children aged 4-11, offering a gentle narrative and beautiful grayscale illustrations.

From acclaimed Nigerian storyteller Atinuke, the first in a series of chapter books set in contemporary West Africa introduces a little girl who has enchanted young readers. Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa, with her mother and father, her twin baby brothers (Double and Trouble), and lots of extended family in a big white house with a beautiful garden in a compound in a city. Anna is never lonely—there are always cousins to play and fight with, aunties and uncles laughing and shouting, and parents and grandparents close by. Readers will happily follow as she goes on a seaside vacation, helps plan a party for Auntie Comfort from Canada (will she remember her Nigerian ways?), learns firsthand what it’s really like to be a child selling oranges outside the gate, and longs to see sweet snow. Nigerian storyteller Atinuke’s debut book for children and its sequels, with their charming (and abundant) gray-scale drawings by Lauren Tobia, are newly published in the US by Candlewick Press, joining other celebrated Atinuke stories in captivating young readers.