introduction Initially Akissi was born out of my desire to tell the story of my homeland and the happy memories of being a young Ivorian girl who would leave her home too soon and head for France without her parents Akissi was also a product of wanting to show a different view of Africa than the one we are usually shown An Africa that is full of life rather than sorrow The Akissi stories are above all about the need to not focus like most children’s books and animated films do on the folktales and legends that come from Africa that don't represent the actual day to day lives of modern Africans The character of Akissi is just like me when I was young The whole neighbourhood was my playground and the people that lived in it were my family With her braids and cute expressive face Akissi encourages her friends and all the local children to become urban explorers She shows that kindness and courage are what is needed for forging friendships and taking on everyday challenges Akissi treats everyone just the same without any judgement or prejudice regarding race religion ability gender identity or age
The stories I tell simply show Africa through the eyes of a child that has grown up there The characters are positive minded for the most part They are full of imperfections at times but always joyful and lively and children from all across the globe can identify with them Come on board visit and a welcoming and fun filled land and discover an Africa that is so close and yet so far Welcome to my childhood Marguerite Abouet
SAPIN ABOUET MATCHMAKING Akissi matchmaking WHAT Your parents are getting divorced SNIFF SNIFF Yes 7
