Ikut Swami
Welcome to Ikut Swami! We honor the legacy of Cristina Kessler’s vision through her books, photography and humanitarianism.
NEW RELEASE
Animal Partyyyyyy!
A “tower” of giraffes stood tall on the plains, planning a party to welcome the rains. During her 20 years living in Africa, Cristina Kessler observed and photographed many animal groups on countless safaris. Cristina’s spirited and playful tale features father Twiga, his family group, and sixteen animal groups she named for their characteristics such as the “crash” of rhinos, the “pride” of lions, the cheetah “coalition”, a “barrel” of monkeys, a flying hawk “boil” and many more. They are brought to life through Armand Adodokpo’s vibrant, dynamic and colorful artwork. A perfect picture book for reading aloud, children will travel through a fun lively safari, learn about the names of each group of animals, and welcome the rains with Twiga and his family group on the plains of Africa.
ANNIVERSARY RELEASE (2026)
My Great-Grandmother’s Gourd
Set in Sudan and tells the story of modern technology replacing traditional ways, and ultimately the wisdom of combining the old and the new. It’s based on a true event, and shares the universal theme of “Don’t mess with my grandmother”, and family loyalty. A delightful story about keeping old traditions while accepting those that are new. The people of a Sudanese village are excited about a shiny new water pump. Never again will they have to use old methods for getting water-or so they think. Fatima’s grandmother, however, remembers how people relied on storing water in the baobab trees in the past, and she is determined to prepare her tree before the rains come, despite the ridicule of her neighbors. Then, one day, the pump breaks and the villagers appreciate the old woman’s caution. The well-written story generates a warm feeling as Fatima’s grandmother speaks of the olden days and her granddaughter is able to learn and appreciate the ways of her elders. The impressionistic oil paintings are vivid and detailed, greatly enhancing the story. A wonderful book to bring generations together or to learn about different cultures.
Childrens’s Books
Young Adult Novels
Memoirs
Nature’s Books
A Tale from Africa
To all the young girls of the world—Follow your dreams.
Long ago in the mountains of Ethiopia, the bees arrived in Lalibela, and people poured in from all around to procure their sweet honey. A young girl named Almaz vows one day her honey will be the best of all. When she shares her dream with the current beekeepers, they laugh her away and tell her it’s men’s work. Almaz is determined to prove them all wrong, but she can barely climb the trees to reach the hives. The men think she’s learned her lesson, but they don’t know Almaz. She’s steadfast in her pursuit of the honey. In this spirited text by Cristina Kessler, with stunning illustrations from Leonard Jenkins, perseverance is the key to achieving one’s dreams.
About Ikut Swami
“With my books for kids I have a personal writing agenda, which is to get the good news out about Africa.” – Cristina Kessler