Testimonials

See What Parents and
Teachers Are Saying!

As a Baby Boomer (born in 1950), I always felt ashamed of how people of color were represented in our history books. I learned very little about African culture in representation of “our people” in America. I found Ashanti and Kamari’s story to bring a historical light to the achievements of African Americans. The message and presentation that comes from this book will bring great awareness to young minds inside and out of the classroom.

Alvenia Barr

As a Baby Boomer (born in 1950), I always felt ashamed of how people of color were represented in our history books. I learned very little about African culture in representation of “our people” in America. I found Ashanti and Kamari’s story to bring a historical light to the achievements of African Americans. The message and presentation that comes from this book will bring great awareness to young minds inside and out of the classroom.

Alvenia Barr

Ashanti and Kamari had me intrigued from the very beginning. It was refreshing reading a book and seeing characters that I could identify with through their interactions with each other and their physical descriptions! This story quickly addressed misconceptions that African lineage is only or mostly linked to slavery. It was exciting to hear about the royal ancestry and the contributions they made to societies. I, just like Kamari, was hooked on every detail and waited to hear more about the adventures of Ashanti. This story made me want to learn more about the history of my ancestors and will influence young readers to want to do the same while giving a sense of pride in heritage! I am looking forward to the sequel, this is a must read!

Melissa Will-Thomas

This book is a game changer! Reeducation of the black youth. My daughter Rileigh was engaged when I read it to her. She was able to follow the story line very well. (She is three years old).

Brandon Porter

Very impressed with the presentation of this book as it will give young children an opportunity to understand how important one’s history is. If you do not have pride and respect in your past, then you have nothing to build on in the future. The amount of research the author put into her book demonstrates her passion for teaching and learning. The use of indigenous animals from African countries was fantastic. Few people know that gelada baboons live in Ethiopia. Well done!

Thomas Barr II

Tanika has created a book that is relatable for all. It takes the reader into history in a joyful, real, fact-based way that will empower the reader to retain the facts and enjoy the characters.

K.E. Harmon M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction,
Creative Arts in Learning

This book depicts a pathway rarely explored by putting African studies into a children's book. The relationship between fun and cultural history are intertwined like never before. Tanika Vellucci (Momma Fendi), uses her platform to show young children, especially African American children that African American people come from more than just bondage and Egypt.

Cameron Barr

FIVE STARS...The introduction of Ashanti and Kamari will keep you engaged, excited, and anxious to read more. The brilliant illustrations, and the magical moments between brother and sister become alive and combine reality and fantasy about African empires which have not always appeared in children's books. The most desired part of the book for me are the magical moments within dreams “dreams can become a reality“ as well as the bond between brother and sister.

Kisha Black

I wish the book was available when I started teaching social studies years ago. The story of Ashanti and Kamari opens the hearts and minds of our impressionable youths, while providing a high level of cultural pride and interest. Looking forward to the sequel and more!

JMV

The book is well done – easy reading and I enjoyed it. The illustrations are beautiful! It kept my interest to see how it would end – I also used to do lessons on griots in Africa and storytelling which is part of the history. I know your nephew Kamari, loves that he is a character in the book!

Pamela Auerbach History Teacher Testimonials

As a Baby Boomer (born in 1950), I always felt ashamed of how people of color were represented in our history books. I learned very little about African culture in representation of “our people” in America. I found Ashanti and Kamari’s story to bring a historical light to the achievements of African Americans. The message and presentation that comes from this book will bring great awareness to young minds inside and out of the classroom.

Alvenia Barr

Ashanti and Kamari had me intrigued from the very beginning. It was refreshing reading a book and seeing characters that I could identify with through their interactions with each other and their physical descriptions! This story quickly addressed misconceptions that African lineage is only or mostly linked to slavery. It was exciting to hear about the royal ancestry and the contributions they made to societies. I, just like Kamari, was hooked on every detail and waited to hear more about the adventures of Ashanti. This story made me want to learn more about the history of my ancestors and will influence young readers to want to do the same while giving a sense of pride in heritage! I am looking forward to the sequel, this is a must read!

Melissa Will-Thomas

This book is a game changer! Reeducation of the black youth. My daughter Rileigh was engaged when I read it to her. She was able to follow the story line very well. (She is three years old).

Brandon Porter

Very impressed with the presentation of this book as it will give young children an opportunity to understand how important one’s history is. If you do not have pride and respect in your past, then you have nothing to build on in the future. The amount of research the author put into her book demonstrates her passion for teaching and learning. The use of indigenous animals from African countries was fantastic. Few people know that gelada baboons live in Ethiopia. Well done!

Thomas Barr II

Tanika has created a book that is relatable for all. It takes the reader into history in a joyful, real, fact-based way that will empower the reader to retain the facts and enjoy the characters.

K.E. Harmon M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction, Creative Arts in Learning

This book depicts a pathway rarely explored by putting African studies into a children's book. The relationship between fun and cultural history are intertwined like never before. Tanika Vellucci (Momma Fendi), uses her platform to show young children, especially African American children that African American people come from more than just bondage and Egypt.

Cameron Barr

FIVE STARS...The introduction of Ashanti and Kamari will keep you engaged, excited, and anxious to read more. The brilliant illustrations, and the magical moments between brother and sister become alive and combine reality and fantasy about African empires which have not always appeared in children's books. The most desired part of the book for me are the magical moments within dreams “dreams can become a reality“ as well as the bond between brother and sister

Kisha Black

I wish the book was available when I started teaching social studies years ago. The story of Ashanti and Kamari opens the hearts and minds of our impressionable youths, while providing a high level of cultural pride and interest. Looking forward to the sequel and more!

JMV

The book is well done – easy reading and I enjoyed it. The illustrations are beautiful! It kept my interest to see how it would end – I also used to do lessons on griots in Africa and storytelling which is part of the history. I know your nephew Kamari, loves that he is a character in the book!

Pamela Auerbach History Teacher