Africana

Ages 7 to 11, Grades 2 to 6

Africana is a beautiful illustrated and fact-filled encyclopedia that takes young readers on a journey around the brilliantly diverse continent.

Discover the incredible history and diversity of the African continent in all its splendour with this beautifully illustrated and fact-filled encyclopedia.This fascinating and beautiful book is divided into broad geographical sections which celebrate and showcase the peoples, landscapes and wildlife from different regions of this great continent, and bright and bold illustrations bring these facts to life.Learn about the astonishing history of the continent, as the birthplace of the very first human beings, through rich historical civilisations such as the ancient Egyptians, the Benin Empire and the Kingdom of Kush, up to the development of the dynamic cities of the modern day.Africana explores:The beautiful visual cultures and artwork from across Africa, including the the printed cottons of Guinea and the mud cloth of MaliFamous figures from African history and modern-day change makersThe incredible landscapes and wildlife of the continent, ranging from the deserts of the north, the rainforests of the central regions and the savannahs of the southFeaturing a stunning copper foil–detailed cover, this large-format book is packed with maps, timelines and much, much more to open your eyes to the beauty and brilliance of this diverse continent.

About the Author

Lagos-based multidisciplinary artist, Mayowa Alabi's work is inspired by his childhood obsessions—African folklore and Afrofuturism. A graphic designer and photographer with over seven years of professional design experience, Mayowa previously worked as the Creative Lead at Co-Creation Hub Nigeria before taking on his current role as a visual artist for the BBC.Kim Chakanetsa is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and producer from Zimbabwe. She joined the BBC in 2013 after working for CNN International and Associated Press. For BBC World Service, she currently presents a weekly radio programme called The Conversation, which brings together women from different countries who have a shared profession, passion or experience. She has also worked on a number of documentaries for the World Service. When not in the studio, Kim likes attempting complex recipes.