Oh No, Ojó!

by Àlàbá Ònájìn

Overview

Ojâo's love for drawing leads to trouble when he draws everywhere he should not, but with his family's support and a big pad of paper, he learns to create art in the right places.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593805732
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	07/15/2025
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.25(w) x 10.25(h) x 0.38(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Àlàbá Ònájìn is a graphic novelist and freelance illustrator from Lagos, Nigeria where he lives with his family. He was chosen as one of the artists for the UNESCO Women in African History project. His debut picture book, Waaa Waaa Tawá, features a similar exotic setting.

Editorial Reviews

"Ònájìn’s colorful digital images and simple sentence structure bring to life a story about the highs and lows of the artistic process....Charming and sweet." —Kirkus Reviews

"An artful picture book about fostering and supporting creative endeavors." —Booklist

From the Publisher

2025-04-19
A budding young artist must find a way to develop his gift without driving his family up the wall.

Little Ojó loves to draw, but stealing his big sister Oge’s school pencils isn’t the best way to do it, since she needs them for her homework. A gift of markers from Papa opens up new possibilities for his artistic talents, but he draws the ire of his family, who would prefer that he not mark up today’s newspaper or the grocery list. When Ojó scribbles all over his bedsheet, Oge tries to help by washing it, but Mama angrily confiscates the markers. Ever resourceful, Ojó draws in the dirt with a stick brought by his loyal dog, Tutu, but his creations don’t survive a sudden rainfall. Can the entire family come up with a solution that will keep their home and possessions safe while allowing Ojó to make the world a more beautiful place? Nigerian author/illustrator Ònájìn’s colorful digital images and simple sentence structure (marked by a refrain of “Oh no, Ojó!”) bring to life a story about the highs and lows of the artistic process. Every member of Ojó’s family has delightful, memorable expressions, especially the alternately indignant and caring Oge. All characters present Black, and visuals imply an African setting.

Charming and sweet.(Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews