LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
There’s so much to take from this empowering, positive story and characters readers will love too. Halima, Maya and Astrid are best friends, doing everything together, whether that’s eating cucumber or playing pirates. They’re excited to receive invitations to a superhero princesses themed birthday party, but when Halima says she’ll go as Pippi Longstocking or Elsa, her friends say she can’t because she doesn’t look like them or have the right hair. Unsurprisingly, Halima is upset, until Mama points out that of course she can be whoever she wants to be, and also comes up with a list of brave, strong, cool, clever people who look just like her. Halima tries out all sorts of costumes before finally choosing to go – complete with special fauxhawk hair – as her superhero princess self. After all, the world needs a new superhero!
These little friends are such lively characters in Åsa Gilland’s vibrant illustrations, Halima especially, and while her decision will prompt everyone to reveal their inner superhero, it will have particular impact on little girls who look like her.
Andrea Reece
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About
Halima, Superhero Princess Synopsis
Halima can't decide who to dress up as for her friend's birthday party. Should she be a princess like Elsa, or a sort-of superhero like Pippi Longstocking?
"You can't be either," her friends tell her, "because you don't look like them."
Halima decides she doesn't want to go to the party any more. What's the point if she can't be one of her heroes? Until Mama says Halima can be whoever she wants to be, and together they discover some of the strong, brave women who could inspire her.
Can Halima regain her confidence and discover her inner superhero princess?
Heartfelt and uplifting, this empowering story from African-diaspora mother Emily Joof encourages confidence, pride and self-expression in young readers, and introduce them to inspiring women of colour from around the world.
Åsa Gilland's vibrant and engaging illustrations are full of texture, expression and fun.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781782509066 |
| Publication date: |
21st March 2024 |
| Author: |
Emily Joof |
| Illustrator: |
Asa Gilland |
| Publisher: |
Floris Books |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
28 pages |
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Press Reviews
Emily Joof Press Reviews
'An empowering picture book that will help little ones to discover their own inner superheroes.' - Scottish Book Trust
Praise for Emily Joof's I Will Swim Next Time:
'This adorable, sweet book is all about reassuring little ones that they can take their time with things they feel nervous about.' - BookTrust
'Offers a model for parents looking to quell children's fears, support their dreams, and allow them room to grow. Given that many swimming pools have historically excluded African American communities and that Black children face an elevated risk of drowning, a narrative that spotlights a Black family reveling in the water is especially welcome. Gentle, inspiring, and important.' - Kirkus Reviews
'Joof's poetic verse glides effortlessly through the story.' - The Scotsman
'A wonderfully gentle approach to children trying new things. This is a great book to share with any child that might be about to embark on the unknown.' - Scottish Book Trust
'This is an affirming story about listening to yourself and taking things at your own pace.' - Juno
Praise for Illustrator Åsa Gilland:
'The book's bright and busy illustrations pulse with life.' - Kirkus Reviews on Meena's Mindful Moment
'Åsa Gilland's stunning illustrations take us through the changing seasons and remind us that, in life, sometimes everything changes.' - Teach Early Years on Everything Changes
Author
About Emily Joof
Emily Joof is an African-diaspora author, education expert and mum. She writes children's books and stories with a focus on inclusion and diversity which have been translated into Swedish, French and Wolof. Born in Nigeria, Emily now divides her time between the Gambia, the UK and Sweden. I Will Swim Next Time was inspired by experiences with her daughter.
More About Emily Joof
