Lulu’s bright and joyful illustrations caught our eye on instagram and we knew we had to have them for Issue 2. Her illustrations truely are a reflection of her personality: colorful, kind, and delightful. Keep reading to learn more about her! Prefered Name: Lulu Kitololo Current Location: Nairobi, Kenya Background: I was born and raised in Kenya – to a Kenyan father and Tanzanian mother. I trained as a Communications Designer but I also have an MA in African Studies. When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? I’ve been making art, writing and designing things since I was very young – clothes for my dolls; vehicles to transport them; illustrated zines I shared with my...
Hey Folx! It’s time to head back to school and we wanted to share a few books that focus what that experience is like for children from a variety of communities. Here are some of our favorites. "The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi is a touching story about a young girl who learns to appreciate her Korean name when she starts at a new school. "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold is a sweet picture book about a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. "I’m New Here" by Anne Sibley O'Brien focusing three immigrant students joining a supportive school community. "The King of Kindergarten" by Derrick Barnes is about a young Black boy’s...
Hello and happy almost summer friends! I’m excited to introduce the first part of our summer blog series today where we will explore language and its role within ABAR. Language learning is something that is close to my heart. Before I started Ditto Kids, I co-founded a small business where kids and their caregivers learned French or Spanish immersively through play. So I was so excited when I came across a brand that centers language learning in an accessible and sustainable way - Habbi Habbi (also mom-founded) is a brand that helps kids learn Spanish and Mandarin Chinese with the help of easy and accessible Reading Wand; more on that later! My love for language...
Happy Friday friends! We're so thrilled to finally reveal our gorgeous cover for issue two -- We worked with the brilliant Alea Marley to bring to life this vision of deep earth tones and gorgeous vegetation. We wanted this issue to represent the richness and diversity that Mali holds. We spent time exploring old textbooks and encyclopedias along with taking inspiration from textiles, photos, and the landscape and variety of climates and terrains found in Mali. Issue two is chock full of gorgeous illustrations that bring the culture of Mali to life in the pages of the Magazine and we cannot wait for you to see it. Issue two will be released in early June so if you'd like...