Waiting to Welcome : A New Baby Story from West Africa

A little girl and her Ghanaian extended family joyfully prepare to celebrate the arrival of a new baby in this warm, inviting picture book.

In Ghana and some other West African countries, when a baby is born, the extended family prepares for a whole week to welcome the little one at a celebration called an outdooring. Andani can't wait to meet her new baby cousin, but a week is so long!

As her aunties and uncles prepare cassava, tuo zaafi, fufu, and other delicious food for the outdooring, Andani will have to patiently (well, okay, sometimes not so patiently) wait to perform the most important job of all: being the first to greet the little one by name.

In Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah’s charming picture book, adorably brought to life by debut illustrator Bri Marie McNish, readers are invited to a joyous cultural celebration full of delicious food, laughter, and love.

Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah have been partners of one kind or another for more than ten years. They write stories that help them share and celebrate their kids’ bicultural Ghanaian American family, traditions, and community. Outside of writing, they enjoy exploring local greenways, cooking, and watching Japanese TV with their kids.

Bri Marie McNish is a self-taught illustrator based in New England. When not illustrating, she has a deep love for black tea, romantic comedies, and especially her loud cat, Garfield. Waiting to Welcome is her first picture book.

"Capturing the characters’ delight, energy, and movement, the story brings to life a loving West African community. In the warm digital illustrations, each family member’s brown skin is depicted with richness and depth. A joyful tale, steeped in cultural meaning." —Kirkus Reviews