Menu

Book Sales

Supporting Literacy and Indigenous Language Revitalization

In November 2024, The Tandana Foundation will be releasing two books - the first-ever storybook in the African language of Tommoso and the second-edition of a beloved Kichwa storybook. Both books, which are being published with the support of Tandana, are aimed at promoting literacy, along with maintaining and revitalizing the indigenous languages spoken by the organization’s community partners in Mali and Ecuador.

Juanita, the Colorful ButterflyThe second-edition of a beloved Kichwa storybook!

Juanita, the Colorful Butterfly - being released with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for the first time - is a nature-inspired fable told in Kichwa, English, and Spanish. Written by Segundo Moreta Morales, the story stems from the cultural wisdom of the Kichwa Otavalo people and the admiration of the planted fields, flowers, and animals found in the rural Andean highlands of Ecuador during the months of February and March. It also represents a call to take care of and preserve the forms of life that don’t exploit Mother Earth, but instead seek to benefit from her without causing harm.

“Stories are the hope of the Andean people not to get lost in time. They are part of our identity and carry a wealth of teachings from our grandparents for the next generations.” – Segundo Moreta Morales, author of Juanita, the Colorful Butterfly

The Hyena, the Hare, and the BaobabThe first-ever storybook in the indigenous African language of Tommoso!

The Hyena, the Hare, and the Baobab is a folk tale from the Tommoguiné region of Mali in Africa. Stories from this region are traditionally told orally, and this book represents the first time one has been published in written Tommoso. The new book shares the story in three languages, allowing Tommoso readers to practice their skills and English and French readers to learn about the region's rich culture.

The book’s origins date back to 2006 when the story was told orally by Kadidia Tembiné in the village of Kansongo during a group storytelling session organized by Tandana’s Founding Director, Anna Taft. The illustrations were done in bogolan (mudcloth), making this book truly unique.

Host a Language and Literacy Fundraiser

Ahead of the book launches, Tandana is inviting friends to host fundraising events to encourage presales of the books, with proceeds going toward supporting its women’s literacy, leadership, and enterprise program in Mali and scholarship program in Ecuador. Tandana will provide organizers of Language and Literacy fundraisers with an advance copy of the book(s) and educational materials on the stories, the indigenous languages, and the cultures of the regions where those languages are spoken. A Tandana team member or native speaker can also participate virtually or in person when possible. To inquire about hosting a Language and Literacy fundraiser, email info@tandanafoundation.org.

Attend the book release events

Tandana will be holding two book release events. The first one will be from 4:00-5:30pm on Nov. 17 at the Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio, and the second one will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2024 at Eichelberger Forum @ Dayton Metro Library in Dayton, Ohio. This event is being co-hosted by the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Dayton. Both events will feature readings and discussion by the author of Juanita, the Colorful Butterfly and translator of The Hyena, the Hare, and the Baobab.

To pre-order the books, please use the form below! Books will ship in November 2024.

Powered by SiteKreator