Anna Hibiscus

Story

Anna lives in a modern day African city with her parents, twin brothers and lots of relatives. Anna is very curious. She splashes in the sea, prepares for a party, sells oranges … and longs to experience snow!

Why we chose it

Anna Hibiscus is a charming and joyful little girl. Through her eyes we see her day to day life with her extended family.

Where it came from

Atinuke was born in Nigeria and lived there until she was ten. She set her Anna Hibiscus books in a modern day city in Africa, to show a happy urban world that exists all over Africa. As a child she read avidly but most of the books she read showed only white people. She knew from her own reading as a child how rare it is for black children to see themselves in books and wanted other children of African heritage to have the joy of seeing themselves in a book.

Where it went next

Anna’s adventures continue in seven further books.

Associated stories

Anna Hibiscus was followed by The No. 1 Car Spotter, which Atinuke wrote for (and with) her sons. She has most recently written two picture books Baby Goes to Market and B is for Baby.