Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Everywhere Omari went he took along his drumsticks.
Though he didn't have a drum.
But he had picked just the right sticks.
Sticks not particularly special to anyone…
Except to Omari!
Who played air drums each morning.
And sidewalk drums every afternoon.
And, when Bibi, Mom and Dad weren't looking,
He played tabletop drums, too.
After lunch, Omari air-drummed
Right across the street to Sankofa Park.
The coolest thing about this park was
The Big Tree and its magnificent mahogany bark.
"Omari!"
Omari's best pals, Sugar and Cholly
Waved him over to play.
Omari greeted them as he always did, with
"Hey, hey! What do ya say!"
"Are you ever going to get a real drum?" Sugar teased.
So Omari wished with all his heart
That one day he'd have his very own drum.
And maybe even with a band–march!
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Book Details
About the Book
He knows there is something special in his hands, he just isn't sure exactly what it is. And even when he gets teased, he never EVER stops believing. Omari learns that an extraordinary gift is passed generation to generation in his family. But after a devastating storm, Omari not only realizes his true gift, he discovers who he has always been inside. Abena Sankofa Imhotep makes her book debut with a story about how, rain or shine, what's in your heart and soul is more powerful than what's in your hands.
About the Author
Abena Sankofa Imhotep wakes up early in the morning to look at the trees outside her window – the trees give her inspiration, and that is how she is able to create whole worlds with words! Her work across multiple disciplines addresses international narratives about Black life, but Abena’s favorite writing is of stories that encourage children to use their minds, their hearts, and their imaginations. She has launched several organizations dedicated to literacy, education, and making our world a better place for everyone. Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe is Abena’s first book. She lives in central Iowa (but not on a farm!) with her family.