Smith, Nikkolas. History of We, The. Nikkolas Smith, Illus. Penguin Random House /Kokila, 05/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5936-1968-1. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.
With stunning acrylic paintings, author/illustrator Nikkolas Smith’s nonfiction picture book A History of We takes us on a sweeping journey through our shared beginnings and key developments of civilization from throughout ancient Africa. Along the journey, he celebrates the birth of language, art, music, and dance, as well as science, architecture, medicine, and astronomy. His work is fleshed out in the back matter, with an author’s note, timeline, and research notes about each spread. Cultures beyond Africa are included in the final pages where Smith writes: “one group became many. Became extended cousins…Became the first global population…Became We.” Recipient of a Sibert Informational Book Honor.
Rachael Reiley—Independent