Local author Ada-Ari will be doing several events this week in Montgomery County as a part of her Black History Month book tour.  Nigerian born Ada-Ari is the author of The Turtle’s Cracked Shell and The Spider’s Thin Legs, children’s books that document classic and beloved African folktales from her childhood. The book tour pays tribute and honors these historical artifacts that, for many, have been lost due to centuries of migration and oral transmission.

Ada tells us, “My kids, who were born at Shady Grove and are growing up in America, were my inspiration. I grew up in Nigeria and didn’t want my kids to miss out on the stories that my grandparents and family members told us. My books also include fun fact cards about the part of Africa that each story comes from. Children (and adults) get a geography and cultural lesson as well as an opportunity to learn moral lessons shared the African way – through stories that have been passed down for thousands of years. What a great way to reconnect with African roots. ”