BEFORE THE SHIPS

A celebration of Pan-African achievement that spans much of the continent and its pre-colonial history.

In this tribute to Africa before the trans-Atlantic slave trade, Bradley relies on vivid digital illustrations to highlight brightly textured indigo seas, lush scenes of regal leaders striking commanding poses as giraffes roam nearby, and warm, high-rising structures of worship. The accompanying narration uses prose and verse to superb effect to establish imagery of emerging civilizations, thriving communities, and wondrous accomplishments. Centering an audience of brown readers, Oso emphasizes that “in Africa, we were royalty, / reigning, ruling entire empires. / Kings and queens of great renown / in shades of brown—just like you.” Bradley imbues each movement with a gentle intimacy, whether depicting great warriors of Carthage and Kush, griots passing down stories, or youngsters sketching constellations in the sands of the Sahara, “our magical minds uncovering the mysteries of the galaxy.” Oso connects it all to the modern-day diaspora: “Here we stand, after the ships, / as amazing as we’ve always been.” In an author’s note, she emphasizes the importance of learning about the history of Black peoples apart from slavery and colonialism—a subject that far too often goes unacknowledged in textbooks. This enchanting picture book thoughtfully fills that gap.

A beautifully bold dedication to Black greatness.