I am Because We Are
Once there was a place where artists created perfectly imperfect, unique puzzles. Joy, beauty, happiness and cooperation flourished. The world was co-created in each intricate and mysterious puzzle piece. Then something sad happened. Uniformity and rules were imposed upon the puzzle makers. What was once exquisitely infinite became finite, regulated and ultimately broken.
This is the story of the power of Ubuntu (I am because we are), an African value highlighting our shared humanity. Children will be reminded to value and honour differences and the importance of diversity, collaboration, freedom and compassion.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: the necessity, power and Beauty of Diversity, respecting and celebrating Diversity, Collaboration vs. Competition, Self-love, Individuality, the Importance of Creativity
CULTURAL: Ashanti Adinkra symbols, the Ubuntu Zulu value of shared humanity, the Ho’oponopono Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness
The beautiful illustrations of I Am Because We Are were lovingly created by Julia Sarapata de Carvalho (Poland).
“I am thankful to be able to venture in the creative journey together with Swaady when she decided to illustrate “I Am Because We Are” together with me. It was a meaningful process because I was carrying a little human close to my heart while illustrating this wonderful story. “I Am Because We Are” together with my son, are the children given by God during those hard times to help us understand what is important in our lives. A lesson I would recommend for any loving parents to read to their kids.”
Julia is a children's book illustrator, nature dweller and a mom of a little boy. With her works she wants to take you and your little ones on a wonderful journey through different worlds, and tell stories and wonders filled with mysteries and magic.Working with passion and a mission for creating colourful and detailed illustrations, she lives with her loving family in Warsaw, Poland.
Age: 6 to 12 * Print ISBN: 978-2-49-157300-3 * Ebook ISBN: 978-2-49-157301-0 * Size: 8.5" x 11" (280mm x 216mm) * Binding: Paperback Perfect bound * Page Count: 44
