This Saturday, September 21, we'll be joined by children's author Jen Cullerton Johnson at the Discovery Center as she shares her acclaimed book, Seeds of Change: Wangari's Gift to the World  at 10:30 and 1:30. This compelling children's book brings to life the empowering story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

Seeds of Change is a wonderful way to expand the learning built into Kenya's Kids, a new cultural exhibit at the Discovery Center where families can discover what life is like for children in Kenya today, a country both technologically-advanced and filled with longtime traditions. Kenya’s Kids magically transports visitors into the lives of children living in Kenya, bringing the experience to life to encourage children to not just learn about, but also participate in a new culture as they travel through five immersive environments. Before or after your visit, keep the learning going at home with one of these great books!

Children's Book Recommendations from the Kansas African Studies Center at the University of Kansas:

• Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnson
• Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book by Muriel Feelings
• Jambo Means Hello: Swahili Alphabet Book by Muriel Feelings
• Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary Chamberlin
• If You Were Me and Lived in … Kenya: A child’s Introduction to Cultures around the World by Carole P. Roman
• A Kid’s Guide to Kenya by Jack L. Roberts
• We All Went on Safari by Laurie Krebs and Julia Cairns

CABA (Children’s Africana Book Award) Winners:

• The Wooden Camel by Wanuri Kahiu
• Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prevot
• Bundle of Secrets: Savita Returns Home by Mubina Hassanali Kirmani
• The Matatu by Eric Walters
• Fatuma’s New Cloth by Leslie Bulion
• Africa is not a Country by Margy Burns
• Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola Nivola
• Circle Unbroken: the Story of a Basket and its People by Margot Theis Raven
• Sosu’s Call by Meshack Asare
• Babu’s Song by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

Recommendations for Teens and Adults from the Kansas African Studies Center at the University of Kansas:

• Mistaking Africa: Curiosities and Inventions of the American Mind (4th edition) by Curtis Keim and Carolyn Sommervillle
• One Day I Will Write About This Place: A Memoir by Binyavanga Wainaina:
• Unbowed, a memoir by Wangari Maathai
• Books and plays by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

Where to Find the Books

The following books are for sale in the Discovery Shop:

• Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnson
• Wildlife Safari Africa: Swahili and English by Catherine W. Ndegwa and John ek Mrema
• A to Z Through Africa: Swahili and English by Catherine W. Ndegwa and John ek Mrema
• Welcome to Africa: Swahili and English by Catherine W. Ndegwa and John ek Mrema

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has a Kenya's Kids display full of great books right outside the children's library. Check one out!