Black History Month Storytime with author Bolaji Ajayi
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Barnes & Noble Corte Madera will host local author Denise Mobolaji Ajayi Williams, author of Akiti the Hunter, for their Black History Month on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. Akiti’s story is derived from African Folklore passed down from generation to generation, and is retold by the author. This book is the first time this character has ever been presented to the world in cartoon form, to reach younger generation and present a super hero many children of color can relate to. The storytime will also feature I Am Rosa Parks and I Am Jackie Robinson, two books from author Brad Meltzer’s picture-book biography series with the inspiring message “we can all be heroes.” Each book in the series tells the story of an American icon and focuses on a character trait that made that role model heroic. Children will enjoy the charming illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos, and play with special activity sheets as I Am Rosa Parks and I Am Jackie Robinsonare read aloud. Attendees are encouraged to share Storytime photographs on social media venues using the hashtag #BNStorytime.
“Akiti the Hunter is a riveting and exciting tale that will leave you at the edge of your seat page by page. With amazing and colorful illustrations and a heartfelt message, this book is sure to warm your heart and lead the mind to a world of imagination. Witness the power of his Magical dust that can transform you into any animal in the kingdom of the forest, and experience his lyrical song that is bound to uplift and empower the young reader. Take a journey with us as we explore the world of AKITI the Hunter, the first African Action Hero.” – from Abela Publishing
About Bolaji Ajayi (Denise Mobolaji Ajayi Williams): “Becoming a mother and founder of the Working Moms in 20s organization, you are forced to view things from a different perspective through the eyes of your child and many parents. I found myself and many other parents could not provide an explanation to our children, why most of the superheroes on their favorite television stations and story books did not resemble their Fathers, Uncles, Big Brothers, Grandfathers, or themselves.
To my knowledge there has never been an action hero represented from an African descent in any major motion animated picture, children’s book or comic book. Then the idea bulb went off in my head. I decided to create real a action hero derived from African folklores to add an element of reality to the action figure Akiti the Hunter. It worked! I saw this was my opportunity to speak to every child in the world. Any child that may feel underrepresented on bookshelves or television programming from all across the world. This book was made just for you. You too, are heroic with super strengths and magical powers.
My hope is that Akiti the Hunter can make a positive impression on how young boys and girls from around the world view themselves. They also deserve to be celebrated, immortalized, and represented in a positive light. Akiti the Hunter presents a great opportunity to not only give my child a fictional animated hero, but also to other children across the globe.
I am interested to see how this can have a positive psychological effect in our children and their perception of self. I look forward to the day, when young boys and girls, start to view themselves as heroic no matter their place of origin. In my household, it is safe to say that everyone looks like and can identify with Akiti the Hunter and that has made a difference for us.” -biographical information from abelapublishing.com
“Barnes & Noble is proud to celebrate Black History Month, and especially Rosa Parks, who helped end public bus segregation and launch the country’s Civil Rights Movement, and Jackie Robinson, who paved the way for equality in sports in America,” said Sarah DiFrancesco, Vice President, Business Development for Barnes & Noble. “It’s important for children to learn about the role they played in our history.”
Barnes & Noble Storytimes are free and open to the public. To discover more, visit the Barnes & Noble Store Locator at www.bn.com/storelocator. Barnes & Noble Corte Madera is located at 313 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, CA 94925. For information about these or other events at Barnes & Noble Corte Madera, please contact Laurel Kidd, Community Business Development Manager, at crm2274@bn.com.
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