“This series offers solid glimpses of faraway places, more poetry than a tour guide . . . evocative and inviting” – School Library Journal
Mbote! Betuabu! Jambo! Let's explore DR Congo! Count the fish at the market, watch the cheeky bonobos, and finish the day with a story. Even learn words in Lingala, Tshiluba, and Swahili with pronunciation guides throughout the story.
Part of the Barefoot Books Our World series with over 200k copies sold
Written by Congolese author, Mel Nyoko and Congolese illustrator, Joelle Avelino
Endmatter provides more insights into life in DR Congo
Winner of the IBC Awards 2025 for Baby & Toddler Books
About the Contributors
Written by - Mel Nyoko
Mel Nyoko is a British Congolese writer and poet who loves to travel around the world and has a passion for storytelling. Her debut children’s picture book, For Our Daughters, was inspired by her own childhood. She lives in London with her husband.
Illustrated by - Joelle Avelino
Joelle Avelino is a Congolese and Angolan Illustrator who grew up in the United Kingdom. Joelle worked on author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's debut picture book Mama's Sleeping Scarf, and also collaborated with Dapo Adeola to create Hey You! An Empowering Celebration Of Growing Up Black, winner of the British Book Awards Illustrated Book of the Year.
