“What’s Your Story?” is a guest post feature on BCBA’s blog. Indie/Self-Published authors are invited to write about their books, writing journey, creative process, inspiration, rewards and challenges of publishing, etc. They can go in whatever direction they choose. We are excited and grateful for their willingness to share, and we hope you enjoy Emily Joof’s story. Go here for more WYS? posts.
“Mummy where is me?”
That was the phrase that pulled at my heartstrings.
With beautiful dark eyes, ebony skin, and tiny locs, my son searched for himself in the stories we read. Stories about adventure or dance. Stories about discovery or history. And even at the young age of three, he knew his story was missing.
I never dreamed of being an author; it is something I never aspired to.
I didn’t even know I could write. However, in four years, I have published seven titles, translated my books into four languages, sold them across all continents, and created my own publishing house.
I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the fact that even though I have this gift, this ability to tell stories and to engage with children, being a writer was never a career option on my horizon. I never met writers who looked like me; it was never discussed, and in fact, no teacher ever pointed out the possibility or my ability to engage with this field.
I am lucky. My children and the children I have taught loved my stories. They giggled during story time, asked a million questions, and constantly asked for more. Unknowingly, this creative input helped me develop my skill over the years to become a better storyteller, to refine my craft, until the day my daughter and son would ask me to put it all in the form of a book.
Since then, I have been writing stories to inspire.
Stories that reflect my multicultural heritage and stories that include those who are so often left out.
I am a multicultural mom. I am Gambian, Malian, French, Swedish. In my stories, you will find a space for identities to connect. A space for a home to transcend geographies. A space for the arts to include all genders. And beyond my stories, you will find me advocating for inclusion, representation or all, and storytelling as a powerful medium to teach, share love, and unite.
Titles by Emily Joof:
Mangoes and Monkeybread: Fruity Fun with Ella and Louis (2019)
A light-hearted journey of discovery with beautiful illustrations and photographs. This charming fruit book shares some of the beauty found in the smallest country in Africa.
Our Favourite Things. The story of Home in the Gambia and Sweden (2020)
A book about a Gambian-Swedish family that celebrates multiculturalism by giving the reader a glimpse into their life across both countries.
Ballet with Heart (2021)
A heart-warming story of friendship and perseverance. Ballet with Heart celebrates inclusion, highlighting boys in ballet and classical dance for children of all abilities, gender, and race.
Det Djupa Bla (Swedish) (Raben & Sjogren, 2021)
My First Trilingual Book of Numbers (English/French/Wolof) (2021)
Introduce your little one to counting and numbers in English, French, and Wolof in this adorable book. Each page has a simple illustration of a fruit or nut native to West Africa
My First Trilingual Book of Words (English/French/Wolof) (2021)
Introduce your little one to their first words and phrases in this educational and fun book. This new, trilingual book will support early learning and multilingual education in English, French, and Wolof.
Emily Joof is an African-diaspora author. She currently works as the Associate Director of Programs for Luminos Fund, where she leads their work in West Africa on the inclusion of out-of-school children. In parallel, Emily writes stories focusing on inclusion and diversity from an afro-diasporan perspective. Emily is currently doing a part-time Ph.D. at Lancaster University in the UK, focusing on the potential that children’s literature can have on fostering inclusions in preschools. She holds a master’s in education and international development from the University of London and a bachelor’s degree in ancient history and social anthropology from University College London.
Connect with Emily Joof
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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