Ayobami and the Names of the Animals - by Pilar López Ávila

About the Book

Translation of: Ayobami y el nombre de los animales.

Book Synopsis

Winner at The 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Books

Ayobami is an African girl who dreams of going to school. After war comes to an end, she can finally return to the schoolhouse. But in order to do so, she has to take a dangerous path through the jungle. Armed only with a piece of paper and a worn-out pencil, she embarks on a hazardous journey to fulfil her unweaving desire to learn and write.
This is a tale about the importance of education, the difficulties that many children have to overcome to go to school, and the perseverance and enthusiasm of those who want to learn.

Guided Reading Level: N, Lexile Level: 550L

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Review Quotes

" (...) Younger children will likely relate to and enjoy Ayobami's perseverance to attend class. The framework of "naming" animals will also likely appeal to early elementary school-aged children, particularly as they themselves are learning about--and how to write the names of--various animals (...) A solid purchase for elementary school libraries." School Library Journal

"With the feel of an Aesop's fable, this story is both empowering and reflective of the joy school can bring to children whose lives have been disrupted by war. Beautiful illustrations in graphite, watercolor, and colored pencil lend an ethereal, magical quality to this unnamed place, where dangerous creatures have endearing faces, and letters of the alphabet flutter around Ayobami like protective stardust." Booklist

"Sandwiched between endpapers of yellow-lined paper showing the upper- and lowercase cursive alphabet, this quiet story shouts the pricelessness of literacy.(...) A marvelous tale of one girl's passion for reading, writing, and learning." Kirkus Starred Review

About the Author

Pilar López Avila, is from Cáceres, Spain, and is teacher of biology for the last twelve years. She is also the mother of three children.

Mar Azabal is a graduate in Geography, specialising in Administration and archive conservation. Her real dream was to create stories through drawing and illustration. She currently resides in Toledo, Spain, and spends her time teaching illustration courses for children, creating stories and enjoying raising her little child.