Pawa Seyni

Pawa Seyni writes picture books for children who carry many homes inside them.

He is an anthropologist by training. After two decades in the academy studying West African oral traditions, he came back to the villages of his ancestors to do the work that first drew him to the field: sitting at the feet of elders, listening to the stories they pass down without anyone calling them lessons, and bringing them home in a form a child can hold.

His books span West African folktales, bedtime stories, and warm-hearted adventures of young heroes. The Yama Stories follow a curious little girl learning her place in the world. The Mael Trilogy tells of a young chief learning what it means to lead. The African Heritage Tales bring beloved folktales (The Yam and the Egg, The Mighty Fist, Ubuntu, The Talking Tree) to a new generation. The Pawa Seyni Bedtime & Wisdom collection gathers quiet, lyrical stories about gardens, grandmothers, kindness, and second chances.

Pawa Seyni books are illustrated with rich color and texture. They are made to be read aloud at bedtime, in classrooms, and around the kitchen table. His work is published by Pawa Publishing, an independent imprint devoted to multicultural children's literature with a special love for African heritage stories.

When he is not writing, Pawa is in the bush, in conversation with elders, or reading aloud to the children of every village that takes him in.

A portion of proceeds from every Pawa Seyni book supports the SEN Yakaar Foundation, bringing books and learning resources to children across the West African diaspora. Learn more at senyakaar.org.

Published by Pawa Publishing.