What a cute way to introduce to children a way to start caring about the planet! The art felt very diverse and unique. It was a good message, and a good read that would be informative for children! Thanks for the Arc read!

"The Soot" by Ayo Oyeku is a charming story about a little girl who is concerned about pollution negatively affecting the planet. I think this story can serve as a great introduction to air pollution for children because it explains the topic in very simple terms. The representation of soot acting like a suffocating blanket around the Earth was very clever, and it really communicates a sense of urgency to help the planet. The illustrations were detailed and unique, and I appreciated the bright colors of the illustrations, which will not only help keep a child's attention while reading but also provide a nice contrast to the dark soot. The transitions between scenes were a little clunky, and the ending was a little abrupt, but the message is definitely received.

I think this is a wonderful book to introduce children to concepts of environmental issues.
The book has beautiful illustrations and make it easy for kids to to follow along.

A short story that stands true to its title and the one line description alongside. A young girl wakes up to find dark clouds of soot floating in the air. From her mother and her teacher she learns how it's generated and its hazards, what possibly can be done by each one of us to prevent this soot from enveloping the earth like a blanket. The end felt sudden and abrupt, the words are cramped together without spacing between them, making the process of reading the story on Netgalley reader uncomfortable.
Good message with good pictures, wish the text layout was better and the story a little longer to leave more impact

I have not heard of this publisher and I love their mission. Changing our perceptions of Africa outside of Africa is an important goal. The premise of this book is great: a young child seeing a large amount of soot in the morning darkening the sky wants to do something to help it dissipate. I like how her mother and teacher work togther in making a difference. Unfortunately, I felt the language was forced. It did not flow easily and I worry my students won't be hooked. (I do have several students whose family comes from countries in Africa and will consider this book for our collection.)

I am grateful to NetGalley for the chance to read this publication on the NetReader.

Incredible children’s story.
This book provides and insightful experience for young children to engage in literature, art, and the idea and concept of pollution.
The way the issues were expressed provided an easy understanding for the reader.

This book was a simple way to introduce the dangers of pollution and what it is doing to our planet. It is interesting how the book is laid out like a vintage picture book. I loved the analogy of the blanket being wrapped around the earth making it hotter. I thought that was a good visual for little students. I would buy this title for my school library and promote it with my Kindergarteners and 1st graders.