Bilingual picture books are a solid experience for all readers, especially books like this one with a heavy cultural influence. While most of us don't have much call to learn Swahili, the sheer existence of and exposure to another language is important in and of itself. While an American child may not immediately relate to the plot (a Tanzanian boy following the men of his tribe up the side of Mount Kilimanjaro) with the guidance of the adult reader kids of all ages will find parallels to their own experiences: societal expectations, proving yourself, finding your strength, etc.

This is a great story told in both English and Swahili. It is the story of Ngama, the son of the chief of the Chagga clan. It is the birth of Tanzania and the elders are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to Light the Uhuru Torch, or the Freedom Torch to mark the occasion. It is a symbol of love and hope. This is a very uplifting story about bravery and dedication. Ngama followed the elders up the mountain, in their shadows so they did not know he was there. His father, though, was aware of his presence and made sure he was safe. He showed his father that he would make a great leader someday, even though this feat was accomplished against his father's wishes. That was my one negative feeling about this book, as he did not listen to his father's direction. Authors Godfrey Nkongolo and Eric Walters write a wonderful story that showcases a positive time in Africa's history. The Uhuru Torch is a symbol of the resilience of the African people. This story is inspired by the words and actions of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere who united the countries of Zanzibar and Tanganyika and was responsible for getting the Uhuru Torch to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro where it still sits today. Eva Campbell created beautiful illustrations for this story, using oil paint and pastels. The beautiful colours, gorgeous landscapes and traditional dress of the Chagga people are all part of the wonderful illustrations in this book. This is a wonderful book to be in all school libraries and to be used during units of multiculturalism, study of Africa and the people as well as to demonstrate what you can accomplish with determination and bravery.

It is remarkable to see publishers getting behind dual language story books. We are fortunate to live in a time where we have publishers who are willing to nurture and develop these stories and a wealth of incredible authors to lead the way. Light a Candle/Tumaini pasipo na Tumaini is the story of a young boy learning from his elders and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at the birth of Tanzania’s independence to light the Uhuru Torch or Freedom Torch as a symbol of love, dignity, and hope for the world. Written in both English and Swahili it is an uplifting story. So many of the stories we have about Africa are about strife and despair, it is so important that we also have stories available about love and hope. Authors Godfrey Nkongolo and Eric Walters brilliantly craft the story of Ngama, the son of the chief of the Chagga clan, who climbs Mount Kilimanjaro with the clan elders to light the Freedom Torch against his father’s wishes. His bravery and determination demonstrates to his father he will make a great leader some day. The Uhuru Torch is a symbol to all of Africa of the resilience of the African people. This story is inspired by the words and actions of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere who united the countries of Zanzibar and Tanganyika and brought the Uhuru Torch to fruition which still sits atop Mount Kilimanjaro as an inspiration to all.

Eva Campbell creates the most beautiful illustrations for this story, using oil paint and oil pastel on canvas. The illustrations are as beautiful up close as they are from far away. The richness of the landscape and the honesty of the people represented in the story are all evident throughout her pictures. The beautiful colours, sprawling landscapes and traditional dress of the Chagga people are all brought to stunning reality through her impeccable illustrative style.

Orca Book Publishers is to be commended in its choices for this book. It is so important to lift up BIPOC authors and create books by Own Voices authors and illustrators so young readers can gain an authentic perspective on the world, not the perspective of an outsider looking in

A typical picture book story of a young boy accomplishing a difficult task takes on added nuance because of the cultural and historical setting - among the Chagga people, near Mount Kilimanjaro in the newly independent country of Tanzania. I loved that the text is in both Swahili and English, and I love that the illustrator Eva Campbell is from Ghana. I do wish the pictures had a bit more visual "kid appeal". Still highly recommended for it's unique perspective. Review based on an ARC from NetGalley.

Thank you #netgalley for giving me a copy of #LightAcandleTumainiPasipoNaTumaini to review. This was a short picture book about a little boy in a country in Africa. He longs to be a man and so he goes on a journey wth the other men to claim independence. It was a sweet story, though, as I said, short. I wish there were more to it, but this would make a great addition to an elementary library.