It is remarkable to see publishers getting behind dual language story books.  We are fortunate to have publishers who are willing to nurture and develop these stories and a wealth of incredible authors to lead the way.  Light a Candle/Tumaini pasipo na Tumaini is the story of a young boy learning from his elders and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at the birth of Tanzania’s independence to light the Uhuru Torch or Freedom Torch as a symbol of love, dignity, and hope for the world.  Written in both English and Swahili it is an uplifting story. So many of the stories we have about Africa are about strife and despair, it is so important that we also have stories available about love and hope. Authors Godfrey Nkongolo and Eric Walters brilliantly craft the story of Ngama, the son of the chief of the Chagga clan, who climbs Mount Kilimanjaro with the clan elders to light the Freedom Torch against his father’s wishes.  His bravery and determination demonstrates to his father he will make a great leader some day. The Uhuru Torch is a symbol to all of Africa of the resilience of the African people. This story is inspired by the words and actions of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere who united the countries of Zanzibar and Tanganyika and brought the Uhuru Torch to fruition which still sits atop Mount Kilimanjaro as an inspiration to all. 

Eva Campbell creates the most beautiful illustrations for this story, using oil paint and oil pastel on canvas.  The illustrations are as beautiful up close as they are from far away. The richness of the landscape and the honesty of the people represented in the story are all evident throughout her pictures.  The beautiful colours, sprawling landscapes and traditional dress of the Chagga people are all brought to stunning reality through her impeccable illustrative style.  

Orca Book Publishers is to be commended in its choices for this book.  It is so important to lift up BIPOC authors and create books by Own Voices authors and illustrators so young readers can gain an authentic perspective on the world, not the perspective of an outsider looking in.