I'll See You in Ijebu - Paperback

by Bunmi Emenanjo (Author), Diana Ejaita (Illustrator)

A Read with Jenna Jr. Bookclub Pick on The TODAY Show!

★ "A loving embrace of faith and family and a wonderful window into Nigerian culture" - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

I'll see you in Ijebu...
Where my Iya Akin is
Her cooking, her jokes that make me giggle
Ijebu, where love lives

Olu loves visiting her extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu, especially when she gets to celebrate Eid al-Adha with them. And this year is extra special, because Olu is finally old enough to help cook the Eid feast. She leaves the vibrant, bustling city of Lagos behind for green Ijebu, and finally arrives to see her Baba waiting for her with a warm hug.

Olu's week in Ijebu is filled with games with cousins, time in the kitchen with her aunties, and finally a feast that leaves their bellies full. In a celebration of Nigerian food and tradition, I'll See You in Ijebu captures the joy of special moments spent with family.

• Relatable for kids who travel to see extended family for the holidays.
• Illustrates a multi-faith family who celebrates both Catholic and Muslim holidays.
• Endnotes include information about Eid-al-Adha and the food, fashion, and faiths in Nigeria (including a recipe for Nigerian puff puff!)

Back Jacket

I'll see you in Ijebu
Far from my city home
Where my cousins play
Where my grandparents stay
Ijebu, where love lives

Author Biography

Bunmi Emenanjo is an attorney and entrepreneur. Born in the United States and raised in Nigeria, her childhood and culture inspire her writing. In 2019, she founded Atlas Book Club, a company focused on curating diverse children's books in an intentional manner. When she is not practicing law or working on Atlas Book Club, Bunmi is reading, traveling, and writing stories that fill the heart and move the spirit. Bunmi lives in Maryland with her husband, her three children, and a devoted Black Russian terrier named Shadow. She is represented by Ellen Goff of HG Literary.

Diana Ejaita works as an illustrator and textile designer in Berlin. What sets her illustrations apart is a combination of dramatically contrasting areas of black and white with soft patterns and textures that create images that portray the strength of femininity. Born in Cremona, Italy with Nigerian origins, her aesthetic pays homage to her lineage.