3.8 "deeply respectful, enlightening, a bit too packed..." stars !!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and illustrator and Running Press Kids. This will be released October 2024. I am providing an honest review.

This is a primer on African spiritual practices for children (and adults) 8 plus. The book is layed out as a didactic novel with room for developing a spiritual practice. There is so much packed in here that children would need to take this slowly along with guidance from a caregiver or spiritual practitioner.

I absolutely adored the bright illustrations (4 stars) but craved more of them. I loved the deep respect endowed in this book as well as the pride of the ancient African wisdoms and how to integrate into one's daily life. The story line was idealized and appropriate for younger children but I do not think as effective for older children or teens. Much of the information was quite detailed so spiritual guidance is imperative for the younger readers as well as patience and motivation for the many helpful exercises and reflections included. I almost feel that this should be two books...a simpler more pared down for children and a more exciting storyline for the older children and teens.
Despite this, I learned so very much about African Spiritual practices and how they tie with European, Asian and Indigenous practices.

This book was fantastic! It should be read in all elementary schools. So much depth to it, but kid appropriate. Highly recommend! Well done!