Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim

by Kobina Commeh, Bárbara Quintino (illustrator)

Kwesi doesn't know how to swim... and discovers his grandmother doesn't either! Can they conquer their fear of water together with the help of the West African legend Mami Wata?

"How about we make a deal?" Nana rubbed Kwesi's head. "I will learn to swim, if you do."
"Deal!"

Kwesi likes spending time at the lake with his friends, except there's one tiny problem... he can't swim. But guess what? Neither can Nana Ruby! When she comes over for dinner one night, she tells Kwesi about when she moved from Ghana to the US and the history of segregation that kept her out of pools and caused a fear of water among many Black people.

"So I will never learn how to swim?" Kwesi asks. But Nana Ruby tells him they will call on the strength of Mami Wata, the sea creature of West African legend, to conquer their fears together. This touching intergenerational story teaches the importance of naming, acknowledging and facing fears.
End notes include more information on West African cultures, including the Akan people, day names, and adinkra symbols.
Teaches kids about the history of segregation of public pools and beaches in an accessible way

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Fiction, Childrens, Family, Africa

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kwesi goes to nearby Lagoon Lake, his friends tease him because, despite his bright yellow swim trunks festooned with sharks, he’s afraid to get into the water. He’s feeling down until he gets home and smells Nana Ru-Ru’s delicious fufu and peanut soup. As they play oware (similar to mancala), Kwesi confesses his fears and his Ghanaian grandmother relates a one-page history of swimming pool segregation and also a story of the mythical Mami Wata, a half-woman/half-fish demigod. Inspired, the two make a pact to take swim lessons together and with the help of Ms. Esi (who “had locs all the way down her back”) they conquer Lagoon Lake and end the book happily splashing in the water. The colorful, simple, layered illustrations resemble a combination of watercolor and collage. Kwesi’s mom and dad both appear working in the kitchen together, a nice touch, with Dad sporting long locs while Mom’s hair is bright red. Back matter includes a note from the illustrator and the author (the latter grew up in Ghana), a glossary, a map, and a pronunciation guide. Decorated end papers echo the bright stripes and patterns found on Nana Ruby’s kente. I appreciated Commeh’s injection of an important Black history lesson into a more personal story of conquering fears. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[MOSS Kids Book Project · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is perfect. Young Kwesi is afraid to swim. He's teased when he shows up to swim in his shark shorts, afraid to dip in his toes. Discouraged he heads home to hang out with Nana Ruby. Nana Ruby moved to the US from Ghana when she was Kwesi's age. And she, too, has a fear of water and swimming. Notes on US segregation and the impact of white actions on Black people surrounding water/swimming. Subtle, yet, educational with age-appropriate historical facts. Both Nana Ruby and Kwesi decide to make a deal and learn to swim together. The addition of Mami Wata, an African water spirit, is refreshing and a beautiful inclusion to add to a story of overcoming fears. Back matter includes a glossary with more information about Ghana and the Akan People that were a perfect addition. Excellent story woven with absolutely incredible illustrations. Very excited for the release!!


Thank you so much to Netgalley & Barefoot Books for an advanced e-book copy in exchange for our honest review.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, tender hearted book that will introduce young readers to a culture they may not be familiar with yet. It’s also got some of the most distinctive and gorgeous illustrations I’ve seen in a children’s book the last few years. The facial expressions are simple but evoke feelings so well, and the design for Mami Wata is awesome.

Sometimes I think picture books that try to straddle the line between informational/non-fiction and a narrative story end up feeling a little off- the pieces don’t fit together well. But this book strikes a good balance between introducing foods, legends, and words from another culture, and guiding the reader through Kwesi and Nana Ruby’s shared adventure.

I really like the wordless last two page spread where Kwesi and Nana Ruby swim together at last.

And learning from the author bio that Commeh is a podiatrist made me laugh in a good way. I love it when someone you wouldn’t expect pursues their dream of publishing a children’s book and it turns out to be great. Good vibes.

4 / 5 stars.

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim, written by Kobina Commeh and illustrated by Barbara, is a beautiful and inspirational intergenerational story about learning to swim and overcoming the fear of water. This heartfelt narrative subtly touches upon the historical impact of white actions on Black communities, revealing how these events ripple across generations.
With the support of Coach Ms. Esi, who hums the soothing song of the mythical sea creature Mami Wata, Kwesi and Nana are encouraged to face their fears and learn to swim. The story beautifully blends cultural heritage with personal growth, making it a touching journey for readers of all ages.
The illustrations are warm and expressive, capturing the characters' emotions and bringing the story to life. The author's note provides valuable insight and the glossary offers helpful explanations of key terms. I highly recommend this book for its powerful message.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all! The engaging story has art that brings the words to life. I enjoyed the multigenerational relationship between Kwesi and his grandmother who, to his surprise also does not know how to swim. That adults may not be able to swim may be a lightbulb moment for kids that changes their perspective on what may be learning-to-swim stress. There's even the legendary Mami Wata--a black mermaid of sorts who offers protection when in the water.

Beyond the uplifting, lightheartedness, we learn some hard truths such as how laws in the US once prohibited Blacks from swimming in pools and beaches.

In the back, the author and illustrator share their personal experiences. Also included are Adinkra symbols, a glossary, map of where Ghana can be found in Africa, and other interesting facts that extend the educational value beyond the text. I can see this being used as an interactive book in elementary classrooms.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kwesi has a very smart grandmother. In this picture book the young boy would love to jump into the lake water like his friends, but he's just too afraid to do so since he can't swim. When he confesses his fears to Nana, she tells him why she can't swim and also relates a story about Mami Wata, the Mother of Water, who can protect them when they're in the water. Kwesi, who is Akan and lives in Ghana, finds his courage through these stories and Nana's example. With its positive message and handsome artwork created with pencils, crayons, gouache, India ink, marker pens, and digitally finished, this picture book may encourage other youngsters to test the waters for themselves. Several of the scenes show so much movement and grace that readers feel as though they, too, are swimming alongside the book's characters.

[Tricia Torrible · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intergenerational story is touching and inspirational. A young child named Kwesi wants to play with his friends in the lake, but he doesn't know how to swim. He initially tries to hide his fear and embarrassment, but his Nana knows better. When Kwesi opens up to her, she admits that she doesn't know how to swim either. She explains that she moved from Ghana to the US during a time when segregation limited swimming opportunities for black people and caused a fear of water to be passed down through generations. Nana makes a deal with Kwesi, if he learns to swim, she will too! The final words and illustrations are incredibly touching, as together, they face their fears in a truly beautiful way.

[Marie Prins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everyone takes to water like a duck and learns to swim. I didn’t. As a child, I had a few lessons, but not enough to help me overcome my fear of water. So I totally empathize with Kwesi when he too shrinks away from joining his friends in Lagoon Lake. I wish I had a grandmother like Nana Ruby who challenged me to try again. And a great swimming instructor like Ms. Esi who hums Mami Wata’s song in Kwesi’s ear to give him courage. Kobina Commeh’s tender and inspiring story of a young boy who learns to swim with his grandmother will encourage people young and old to jump in the water, relax, and have a whale of a time swimming with their friends and family. Quintino’s illustrations are so warm and colourful! They pull the reader into the story with a bright splash!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a detour the book took for a few pages that I thought didn't sequence well with the overall book but it's such a miniscule issue because the overall picture book is a phenomenally rich story of a Ghanian boy and his grandmother who together learn to swim. Historically, grandma wasn't allowed to swim and therefore never did. Her grandson is going to change that for him and her and they use their mythological Mami Watta as inspiration to feel comfortable in the water.

Here's to learning something new at whatever age.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is GORGEOUS! Kwesi is afraid of the water and wants to overcome his fear, but doesn't know how. After a long talk with his beloved Nana, they decide they're both going to work together to face their fears with the help of Mami Wata, a mermaid from a Ghanaian folk tale who protects those in the water. The illustrations are beautiful with symbols and representations of the Akan culture and the text reflects the heritage of Kwesi and his grandmother. A beautiful book about a very important topic and a fear very prevalent in black culture.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy and his grandma learn how to swim with help from Mami Wata (Mother of Water, an African water spirit), and a patient swimming instructor. Exuberant illustrations full of color express the exhilaration of conquering one’s fear and learning a new skill. The Author’s Note describes his own experience learning how to swim as an adult and how common it is for African Americans to not know how to swim, mostly for lack of opportunity. End pages include a glossary of West African terms mentioned in the story, plus a map of Ghana and the common “day names” of the Akan People.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book. It’s about a little boy who fears the water and his grandma makes a promise: He learns to swim, she learns to swim. It also gets into the history of blacks swimming in the US and why there’s such a disparity between who can and who can’t swim. The information in the back is a great addition to the story. This is a little long for a story time but for a lesson book, it’s fantastic and the colorful illustrations are perfect match.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kwesi and Nana Ruby are great characters to show children that learning takes time and effort. I love seeing learning happen at any age, and trusted adults willing to participate in activities with a child. The mythical story Nana shares is a great addition and supports Kwesi in learning to swim. Simple and effective at showing a supportive adult helping a child overcome a fear.

[Kimberly Tso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and inspiring story about facing your fears and overcoming them! I also never really learned to swim or ride a bike as a kid, so Kwesi’s longing to have fun in the water without fear resonates. Wonderful cultural moments are woven in seamlessly into the story. What a great book to inspire children and adults to learn to swim together!

[Sanaz Marbley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We absolutely loved Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim! It’s such a sweet and encouraging story about trying something new, even when it feels a little scary. The characters are so relatable, and the illustrations are super fun and colorful. It’s a great book for kids, especially if they’re learning to swim or just need a little confidence boost. Definitely worth a read!

[Charlotte Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story that demonstrates the love and bond between a boy and his grandmother as they learn to overcome a joint fear together. Educates readers about Ghanaian culture and historical reasons so many African Americans stay out of the water. Highly recommended!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, a lovely book about facing fears and trying something new. There are some wonderful cultural details to learn about Ghanaian culture both in the picture and text, including the back matter. Definitely one everyone will want to re-read!

[Ekow Commeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an inspiring story about how love and the connection between generations can heal and overcome fears. Dive in! Water you waiting for?

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a whole bunch, from the African motifs in the illustrations to the loving intergenerational friendship between Kwesi and his grandma. Really lovely.

[lola Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this lovely story about a bit learning how to swim. The vibrant colors are very engaging. And the story itself is very sweet.

[Zahida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender and beautifully written story that will resonate with anyone who has had to conquer a fear. This is a story about family, love, perseverance, and culture. And the illustrations are a dream!

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations on an important topic.

[Y.Poston]

a beautiful story about a Black grandma and grandson learning to swim

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

GORGEOUS read!! So heartfelt you can feel the love Kwesi and Nana Ruby have for each other. The illustrations are stunning. Highly recommend!