Ada Ari is reimagining African folk tales and promoting the continent’s culture through her children’s books. While readers explore the cultures of each country, the stories offer character lessons and fun facts about its people. Ari says it is her mission to promote diversity and inclusion in children’s literature.

Starlette Thomas: As an author and educator, why do you tell stories?

Ada Ari: I tell stories because storytelling is deeply ingrained in African culture. Our ancestors shared culture, history, and wisdom through storytelling. Important moral lessons are passed down this way. 

Storytelling is also a universal way to bond with people of all backgrounds. I tell stories because they unite us. 

Stories also spark imagination and spur creativity – important building blocks for problem-solving and innovation, which are crucial skills to develop from childhood. As a storyteller, I have the unique opportunity to visit schools around the country, sharing not just our ancient African folktales, but also immersing young minds in an interactive, engaging cultural experience. 

Far more than an author visit, my highly interactive African Storytelling Reimagined program offers a dynamic and educational experience about Africa’s geography and culture. Each customizable session includes a geography lesson, dancing, and interactions with authentic artifacts.

Starlette: Why is it important to get these folktales down on paper?

Ada: I wanted to preserve our stories. Documentation is an important way to keep the past alive and evergreen. With the increase in migration, a lot of rich culture is left behind and risks being lost forever. 

There is something very important about knowing one’s roots and all the beauty that surrounds them. That simple knowledge provides a strong sense of identity, helping to build self-esteem and foster respect. Simply put, I wanted to write these folktales down to ensure they live on forever and spread around the world.

Starlette: You are preserving African history, language, and culture. What inspired your decision?

Ada: My children were my inspiration. As an immigrant raising children in the United States, it was important to me that they have a strong sense of, and pride in, their cultural identity. So, I created high-quality, engaging, and attractive books to teach them our language and share our stories. 

I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only immigrant parent who wanted the same, and today, I’ve created the largest collection of African language books in the world. Covering 24 African languages, with more on the way, my board book box set has been instrumental in helping diasporan parents connect their children with their roots. It has also been a great tool for African Americans tracing their roots and seeking a deeper connection with the cultures of their ancestors. 

Beyond empowering my children to know their culture, I wanted this to be a vehicle they could use to introduce their peers of all backgrounds to an awareness of and appreciation for our rich heritage. Because my books are beautifully illustrated, share universal moral lessons (sharing, listening to parents, being brave), and tell fun stories (Why do spiders have long legs? Why do turtles have cracks on their shells?), they have proven to be a great way to introduce young minds to our culture.

Starlette: What can African folktales teach us? What do we need to know about the continent?

Ada: Our rich folktales carry a wealth of ancient wisdom and insight. Each of my stories centers around a universally applicable moral (e.g., integrity—why is it important to do what you say you will?). 

In addition, I include a geography lesson in the back of each book, allowing readers to discover the specific African country from which the story originates. The books also highlight the tribe within that country that brought the story to life. On the inside back pocket of each book, I include culture cards so readers can learn about the history and traditions of the people who created these stories.

Starlette: While some schools are banning books, what makes a story worth repeating?

Ada: History should always be preserved and, in these folktales, I have essentially unearthed ancient artifacts that have been passed down for generations but lost to centuries of migration from the continent. These stories are a simple and enjoyable reminder that we are all global citizens.

Stories that children in Africa love and enjoy are just as relatable to children in the U.S. and around the world. My dream is that as children grow into adults who remember the story of the three little pigs, they will also remember the stories of Anansi from Ghana and Wanjiru from Kenya.

Starlette: What is your hope for Ada-Ari Books?

Ada: My dream for Ada-Ari Books is that we become a hub for infusing African culture into early childhood education. I’ve had the excellent opportunity to build curriculum content for public school districts that want to incorporate authentic West African studies. 

I’ve also created engaging activity books that allow young children to practice coloring, counting, and puzzle-solving while learning about the cultures across the continent. I want young children in the U.S. to understand that Africa is a vast continent filled with many regions and beautiful cultures, and that, despite our differences on the surface, we share many similarities. For example, we all love great stories.

Lastly, 10% of all proceeds from my book sales and school programs are donated to orphanages around the continent of Africa. I want Ada-Ari Books to continue making a large impact on the children who need it most – the children for whom these stories were created.