Ada Ari is a Nigerian author of children's books, specializing in African folk tales.
Based in America, she draws inspiration from her own childhood memories and her experiences reading to her own children.
Recalling the rich tapestry of African stories from her youth, Ada felt a strong desire to document these tales for contemporary children to enjoy.
Ada's literary offerings encompass two distinct product lines. Firstly, she produces a series of folk tale books, with three already published and a fourth in progress.
Secondly, she curates the largest collection of board books dedicated to African languages, currently available in 18 languages.
Her journey began with languages such as Igbo and Yoruba from Nigeria, Twi from Ghana, and Swahili due to its widespread popularity.
As word of her work spread, demand grew for her books to be translated into more African languages. Consequently, she expanded her repertoire to include languages such as Ewe, Ga, Fanti, Luganda, Lingala, Amharic, Ibibio, Shona, Baoule, Dioula, Zulu, Wolof, and others.
Ada's books cater to children aged 2 to 6 and are designed not only for entertainment but also to impart important moral lessons. Each story carries a moral message, often drawn from the cultural context of the tale.
For instance, one of Ada's childhood favorites, "The Turtle with a Cracked Shell," teaches lessons of forgiveness, sharing, and kindness.
In addition to the stories themselves, Ada includes educational elements in her books. Each book features a map of Africa highlighting the country from which the story originates, aiding children in learning about geography and cultural diversity.
Ada actively engages with her audience by conducting readings and book events across America. Her first major order came from a bookstore whose owner attended one of her readings and was impressed by her storytelling.
Ada's books are available for purchase through her website, where she continues to add new languages and titles in response to growing demand.
Collaborating with consultants, she ensures accurate translations and culturally sensitive storytelling, preserving the richness of African oral traditions for generations to come.