Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo by Àlàbá Ònájìn (Candlewick Graphic novels #Nigeria #Africa #mystery #middlegrade)

Holiday House Publishing
ISBN: 978-0823465057
Hardcover $24.99
Paperback $14.99

My thoughts: This is a story set in an African village where folks live in poverty. It is a story presented well with lively characters and well executed graphic novel drawings. The story recounts the excitement of an upcoming event in the village, the need to have some funds for the event, the act of saving ahead for the event. And then the mystery of the missing funds.

Lively drawings recount the story and give a peek into life in an African village.

I think this will be a good choice for reluctant readers as well as those who wish to read about cultures other than their own or who simply enjoy a graphic novel.  

About the book: A charismatic young sleuth takes on a case close to home in this new graphic novel series set in a vibrant African community.

Ten-year-old Korobá knows everyone in Makoko, the Nigerian fishing village where she lives.

She knows her way up and down the bright, colorful waterways, knows where to sell fried shrimp, and knows what to look for at the crowded daily market. Makoko is her playground, and she roams free with her best friends, Saidat and Joba, and her adorable dog, Popi.

The last thing Korobá would expect in Makoko is a thief. Yet Saidat’s wooden piggy bank—her Kolo—has been stolen. The children of Makoko save coins in their Kolo all year long, waiting to spend their money at the annual harvest festival. Saidat saved and saved, but now she will have nothing. It’s not fair!

Korobá knows what good detectives do…(sort of?). Should the primary suspect be Saidat’s grumpy cousin, visiting on vacation? Or could it be the village carpenter, who has been doing some work on Saidat’s house? It's up to Detective Korobá to catch the thief and find the missing Kolo before Breaking Day!

Buckle up, budding mystery fans… It’s time to join Korobá and friends on their thrilling chase for the culprit. With rich, detailed illustrations—featuring some very important clues—that bring Makoko to life, this one-of-a-kind graphic novel series is a modern day Tintin meets Encyclopedia Brown.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. #Mystery #Graphic Novels #Middle Grade #Childrens #Comics #Nigeria #Africa #Graphic #Novels Comics