They don't look like adults and they don't act like adults. Best of all though, this book lets the children just be children. This book gives the reader a very realistic vision of what life in Africa might be like. Still I have always gone out of my way to make sure my children have books which depict children from a wide variety of locations and cultures. Whether it is the stories themselves, or simply the type of parent who chooses that type of story, I don't know. I have often read that children exposed to stories of other cultures usually grow up more tolerant.

In addition to breaking stereo types in children's literature, this book gives children a first hand look at life in another country. If you are looking for a book for a little girl who doesn't suit the stereotypes, Akissi is absolutely perfect. I know many are also fed up with the stereotyped princess character. Many parents are becoming upset with the over sexualisation of female characters in children's films and books. Akissi’s life must be a dream come true.Summary: Tired of Disney style princesses and helpless damsels in distress? If so Akissi may be just what you are looking for. Instead Abouet imbues the stories with a sense of adventure that should speak loudly to so many American children reading it, possibly facing a cloistered, overbooked day-to-day existence.

“The autobiographical element from Abouet is also crucial in that it offers a genuine quality to the stories, and having lived the life allows them to forgo any sentimentality. “While aspects of daily life in Côte d’Ivoire will be unfamiliar to many, Akissi’s antics will ring true to kids across the board.”

'Sapin’s richly colored artwork complements Abouet’s tales, which bring to life universal aspects of childhood, illustrating the silliness, resourcefulness, and mishaps that are experienced all over the world.' Highly recommended for middle grade graphic novel collections.” This volume fills a gap in children’s comics featuring African characters and settings. “ the collection reads like Dennis the Menace meets Pearls Before Swine, set in West Africa-and may appeal to fans of both. 'An unforgettable, boundary-busting, falling-over-funny collection.' The colors are electric-purples, oranges, turquoises and bright yellows.' the rapid-fire, action-packed tales are wild and antic.

Based on Abouet’s childhood memories of growing up in the port town of Abidjan. Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018.

Akissi by Marguerite Abouet