From acclaimed Nigerian storyteller Atinuke,

here is the first in a series of chapter books set in contemporary West Africa
that introduces a little girl who has enchanted young readers.

ATI NUKE illustrated by Lauren Tobia

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa, with her mother

and father, her twin baby brothers (Double and Trouble), and
lots of extended family in a big white house with a beautiful
garden in a compound in a city. Anna is never lonely—there
are always cousins to play and fight with, aunties and uncles
laughing and shouting, and parents and grandparents close
by. Readers will happily follow as she goes on a seaside
vacation, helps plan a party for Auntie Comfort from Canada
(will she remember her Nigerian ways?), learns firsthand
what it’s really like to be a child selling oranges outside the
gate, and longs to see sweet snow.

Nigerian storyteller Atinuke’s debut book for children and its

upcoming sequels, with their charming and abundant gray-
scale drawings by Lauren Tobia, are newly published in the
US by Candlewick Press, joining other celebrated Atinuke
stories in captivating young readers.

ATINUKE was born in Nigeria and spent her childhood in

both Africa and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the
award-winning Anna Hibiscus series, illustrated by Lauren
Tobia, as well as Hugo, illustrated by Birgitta Sif; Africa, Amazing
Africa, illustrated by Mouni Feddag; and Too Small Tola,
illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. Her other books include Baby, Sleepy Baby; Baby
Goes to Market; B Is for Baby; and Catch That Chicken!, all illustrated by On sale April 5, 2022
Angela Brooksbank. Atinuke lives in Wales. HC: 978-1-5362-2519-8 • $16.99 ($22.99 CAN)
PB: 978-1-5362-2523-5 • $7.99 ($10.99 CAN)
LAUREN TOBIA is the author-illustrator of Oscar’s Tower Ages 6–9 • 112 pages • Also available as an e-book
of Flowers and the illustrator of numerous children’s books,
including the Anna Hibiscus series by Atinuke, Are You Sure,
Mother Bear? by Amy Hest, Happy in Our Skin by Fran
COMING SOON IN 2023!
Manushkin, Baby’s Got the Blues by Carol Diggory Shields, and
The Blanket Where Violet Sits by Allan Wolf. She lives in the United Kingdom. Hooray for Anna Hibiscus!
Good Luck, Anna Hibiscus!
 Praise for TOO SMALL TOLA

A 2021 Cybils Award Finalist

A New York Public Library Best Books for Kids Selection

A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Selection

A Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

A Horn Book Fanfare Selection

A BookPage Best Children’s Book of the Year

A Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year

A Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Book of the Year

An NPR “Books We Love” Best Books of 2021 Selection

HC: 978-1-5362-1127-6 • $15.99 ($21.99 CAN)
Ages 7–9 • 96 pages • Also available as an e-book

“Author Atinuke raises the bar and shows the world what a
quick, funny, smart early chapter book can be. . . . Atinuke
can make everyday city life in Lagos accessible to any child
reader. A true standout.” —NPR Books
“Too Small Tola has a diminutive heroine, but it’s a big
charmer and treats its newly capable readers with a
respect that will make them feel knowledgeable and
sophisticated.” —The Wall Street Journal
H “Nigerian-born children’s author Atinuke introduces a
memorable new heroine in Too Small Tola. . . . Atinuke is a
masterful storyteller, playing with language and rhythm as
she evokes Tola’s world. . . . Onyinye Iwu renders Tola and
her family in endearing and expressive images that capture
their personalities perfectly. Too Small Tola will make
readers eager to read more about Tola; Lagos is clearly
bursting with more stories to tell.” —BookPage (starred
review)
H “This collection of stories is perfect for transitioning
readers, with its manageable chapters, clear, plain
language, simple sentence structures, wry sense of humor,
and realistic illustrations of the diverse Nigerian cast. . . .
An enjoyable, endearing collection.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
H “Evoking all five senses to render contemporary
Nigeria, the creators celebrate the beauty of daily life
through Tola’s joy, wonder, and perseverance.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
H “Atinuke uses child-friendly, entertaining dialogue and
incorporates accessible themes such as bullying and
helping others in need. Her inclusion of rounded and well-
developed secondary characters also helps Tola recognize
that strength might come not necessarily from the
muscles, but the heart.”
—Shelf Awareness (starred review)

H “Atinuke’s writing is rich with imagery and replicates

the music and rhythm of Tola’s daily life. The stories are COMING IN
copiously illustrated with line drawings of a round-faced, FALL 2022!
appealingly welcoming protagonist. The friendly format,
universal emotional truths, helpful illustrations, and
strong writing work together to immerse young readers in
Tola’s world.” —The Horn Book (starred review)