One night under the acacia trees, Kibo writes a story about home. His neighbor Naki reads his words, binds them into a book, and brings it to the city. There Camilo devours Kibo’s story, remembe
One night under the acacia trees, Kibo writes a story about home. His neighbor Naki reads his words, binds them into a book, and brings it to the city. There Camilo devours Kibo’s story, remembering his childhood in the savannah. The next day he shares the book and his memories with his friend Simon. Soon Simon starts writing new songs about distant lands. Where will Kibo’s book go next, and what will it spark for its next reader?
Featuring a charming cast of animal characters, The Book that Kibo Wrote showcases the power of stories to connect readers across the globe.
Booklist
“While it ends somewhat abruptly, this overall delightful story, translated from the original Spanish, celebrates discovering joy in books—and sharing the experience with others.”
The Wall Street Journal
“This gentle story shows not only the value of a singular vision, whether belonging to a rhino or anyone else, but also the wisdom of putting it on paper.”
School Library Journal
“The trifecta of reading, writing, and sharing at the heart of this visually engaging title becomes transformative. Highly recommended.”
The Horn Book Magazine
“Satisfying in itself, this book will also find a happy home in classrooms and serve as a springboard for young bookmakers’ creative endeavors.”
View Review quote
Mariana Ruiz Johnson has created over a dozen picture books, including
While You Are Sleeping (Chronicle),
Run, Little Chaski! (Barefoot), and
I Know a Bear (Schwartz & Wade). The daughter of two illustrators, she decided to make art her passion as well. Mariana lives in Argentina. Follow her on Instagram @marianaruizjohnson or visit her website at
marianaruizjoh nson.wordpress.com.
Lawrence Schimel is an author, anthologist, publisher, and translator of books in both Spanish and English. His works have received many awards, including the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, a PEN Translates Award, and the GLIL Translated YA Book Prize Honor. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain, and New York City. Follow him on Twitter @lawrenceschimel.
View Biographical note
