Written by JaNay Brown-Wood

Illustrated by Hazel Mitchel

Mackinac Island Press

ISBN-10 : 1934133574

ISBN-13 : 9781934133576


Little Imani, a young Maasai girl, is the smallest one in her village. The other children make fun of her and tell her she’ll never amount to anything. Imani begins to believe them.

At bedtime, Imani’s mama tells her traditional stories about the moon goddess Olapa and Anansi the spider. They accomplished what would seem impossible. When Imani decides she wants to touch the moon, she works hard to reach her goal, even though it seems impossible.

Hazel Mitchell’s warm and vibrant illustrations take young readers to the plains of Africa, to a place where the animals always have something to say and little girls can touch the moon.

Awards & Honors

  • 2015 READING IS FUNDAMENTAL (RIF)  MULTICULTURAL BOOK PICK
  • 2014 Northern CA Association of Children’s Librarians Distinguished Book
  • 2015-2016, 2016-2017 New York Reads 365 Grade 1 Recommended Book
  • NAESP Children’s Book of the Year Award, Principals Award