Jollof Day
Ages 3–6
Picture Book
Kente for Jojo
by Bernard K. Mensah · illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
PublisherKnopf (Penguin Random House)
Age Range4–7
Formathardcover
ISBN978-0593567128
IllustratorElizabeth Zunon
Year2025
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A joyful picture book about a big brother who helps his family choose a special Kente cloth for new baby Jojo. Narrated by the older sibling, the family travels to a traditional weaving workshop in Bonwire, Ghana, where the brother learns the legend of Kente — how the spider Ananse inspired two hunters to weave — and even tries the loom himself. When his weaving goes slightly wrong, the imperfection becomes what makes Jojo's Kente truly special. The pattern they choose is Nyankonton — God's eyebrow, the rainbow — symbolising beauty, uniqueness, and great luck.
Perfect for
New baby giftsTeaching kids about Kente and Ghanaian traditionsStories about siblings and familyKS1 Geography: places and culturesBlack History Month classroom reads
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What People Are Saying
“A gorgeous, reverent celebration of a cherished symbol of African tradition.”
“Mensah's vivid storytelling is as inviting as Zunon's colorful illustrations.”
“A fascinating exploration of this weaving tradition, its origins, and the techniques used.”
