Kente for Jojo

Bernard Mensah ∙ Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Hardcover

Published on Jun 3, 2025 | 32 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Jun 3, 2025 | 32 Pages

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Grades Preschool – 3
Ages 4–8

A joyful picturebook of a big brother weaving a Kente cloth for the new baby in his family, with lyrical text and textured artwork that sings.

Kente is more than a cloth, it is a symbol of love. And the big brother in this story loves new baby Jojo so very much! Together, the family travels to pick out a special Kente for Jojo—it must be perfect. With some inspiration from a passing rainbow and a little help from a skilled weaver, they do just that!

Come along as author Bernard Mensah shares the legend of how Kente came to be, and discover the many beautiful patterns of traditional Kente through Elizabeth Zunon’s warm and textured art! This unjacketed hardcover also includes a textured spine to evoke woven fabric.

★ "A gorgeous, reverent celebration of a cherished symbol of African tradition." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Mensah’s vivid storytelling is as inviting as Zunon’s colorful illustrations....Together, they have created a fascinating introduction to this reverent aspect of Ghanaian culture." —The Horn Book

"This title offers a fascinating exploration of this weaving tradition, its origins, and the techniques used to make it. The illustrations wonderfully exhibit a variety of patterns, each with its own meaning and story." —School Library Journal

ISBN 9780593567128 (Hardcover)
Published on Jun 3, 2025
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 9-3/4 x 9-3/8
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3
Reading Level Lexile: 600L | Fountas/Pinnell: N

ISBN 9780593567135 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jun 3, 2025
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Dimensions 9-3/4 x 9-3/8
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3
Reading Level Lexile: 600L | Fountas/Pinnell: N

ISBN 9780593567142 (Ebook)
Published on Jun 3, 2025
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages 32
Age Range 4-8 years
Grade Preschool - 3
Reading Level Lexile: 600L | Fountas/Pinnell: N

Bernard Mensah

Bernard Mensah works in software engineering by day and writes stories by night. He is the author of titles like Esi the Brave and Yawa the Adventurer. He is passionate about Black and African representation in publishing and founded HabermanNerds to nurture and promote African storytelling. He grew up in Ghana, climbing trees, playing soccer, and dreaming up stories at the library. Bernard now lives in the United Kingdom with his two rambunctious boys.

Elizabeth Zunon

Elizabeth Zunon is the acclaimed illustrator of many picture books including The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, My Hands Sing the Blues, Don’t Call Me Grandma, and more! She grew up in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and memories of her childhood can be seen in her artwork. She currently lives in Albany, New York.