Halima, Superhero Princess - by Emily Joof (Hardcover)

About the Book

Halima can't decide who to dress up as for her friend's birthday part. Should she be a princess like Elsa, or a superhero like Pippi Longstocking? Her friends tell her she can't be either because she doesn't look like them. Thus begins an exploration of culture and strong, brave women from different cultures.

Book Synopsis

A young Black girl overcomes self-doubt and embraces her unique superhero princess identity in this energetic and empowering book from the author of I Will Swim Next Time.

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."

Mama assures Halima can be whoever she wants to be, and together they discover more strong, brave women to look up to. Can Halima find the confidence to become her own unique superhero princess?

Heartfelt and uplifting, Halima's story encourages pride and self-expression in young readers, and introduces them to inspiring women of color from around the world. African-diaspora mother Emily Joof is the author of I Will Swim Next Time. Åsa Gilland's vibrant and lively illustrations are full of fun.

Includes portraits of Amanda Gorman - Beyoncé - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Janelle Monáe - Kadeena Cox - Kamala Harris - Kamala Khan - Lupita Nyong'o - Mae Jemison - Malala Yousafzai - Maya Angelou - Meghan Markle - Michelle Obama - Misty Copeland - Monica Rambeau - Nikeisha Andersson - Serena Williams - Shuri - Simone Biles - Storm - Tess Asplund - Willow Smith - Yara Shahidi

Review Quotes

'This book is necessary, empowering and beautifully illustrated.' --SharingTheShelf

Praise for I Swill Swim Next Time

'Gentle, inspiring, and important.' --Kirkus Reviews

'This quiet, gentle book perfectly encapsulates the hesitations of many children around water, by honoring their emotions and process.' --Youth Services Book Review

'A fun and effective picture book for any child who is feeling nervous about new experiences.' --Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Emily Joof is an African-diaspora author, education expert and mom. She writes children's books with a focus on inclusion and diversity, including I Will Swim Next Time and Halima, Superhero Princess. Her books have been translated into Swedish, French and Wolof. Born in Nigeria, Emily now divides her time between the Gambia, the UK and Sweden. Asa Gilland is a Swedish illustrator and designer. She has a background in interior design and brings her love of texture and to her illustrations. Asa's picture books include This is Our World, A Grandma's Magic and Letters to Live By: An Alphabet Book with Intention. She has lived in Indonesia for over 20 years.