The History of We

"A rich and beautifully told history of humanity...Sublime" Joseph Coelho

'combines richly detailed brushwork and poetic prose to paint a picture of how human life began in Africa. Smith describes himself as an “artivist” who uses art for social change, and this epic picture book skilfully illuminates a key moment in our collective history that is too often overlooked.' Observer

'Via rich, dynamicpaintings and thoughtful pared-back text, Smith answers the question “What does the beginning look like?” with this powerful picture book, the shared story of humanity’s first ancestors in “the fertile cradle of Africa”.' Guardian

'A beautiful picture book that shares the story of our ancestors and their beginnings. It celebrates their spirit, ingenuity and achievements, it’s lyrical and powerful. Each page is a work of art; a truly a stunning book.' Books for Keeps book of the year

'This stunning picture book is a triumph of beautiful painting and poetic words. Nikkolas Smith is an award-winning author-illustrator who’s created this book to honour the very first cultivators of civilisation. Each page is a glorious celebration of humans’ ingenuity, with swirling colours and visible brushstrokes adding to the emotion and beauty of the scene. The text is short, and easy to read, yet so carefully written that it feels immensely rich and poetic.' BookTrust

"A lyrical meditation on the chronology of humanity's shared beginnings. It's impossible to overstate the emotional effect of Smith's work—simultaneously majestic and intimate...every single brush stroke is alive with movement and intention." Kirkus starred review

"Each chapter of our history is set upon gorgeous painted landscapes or scenes of human ingenuity in action, always featuring a brown-skinned figure. Joy, struggle, and innovation are displayed throughout the ages, not only laying out a wide-spanning history but also upending the problematic idea that civilisation began much later and that it was rooted in whiteness." Booklist starred review

"The text and art are elegantly matched in both beauty and impact...the dynamic movement creates a sense of continuity that articulates the power of progress marching ever forward...The final scene, a rich, diverse array of faces in different skin tones peering at the reader, feels both expansive and intimate, reminding readers of the connections running through all humanity." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred review

'I thought this was a wonderful book that gives a brief insight into how humanity evolved from a single country, enabling the human species to become artists, musicians, explorers and inventors. It illustrates that innovation was born from curiosity and collaboration, weaving our shared heritage into every page ... celebrates African roots by reminding readers that our earliest ancestors emerged in Africa and pioneered community, dance, music, exploration and invention.' What's Good to Read

'This a wonderful and beautiful educational book, backed up with a scientific timeline, that makes learning about human history entertaining and engaging for young page turners – it’s the history of WE, all of us!' Young Page Turners review

'This book will offer a powerful sense of recognition to Black children who can see a version of Black history that stretches back hundreds of millennia before slavery and colonialism, which is where Eurocentric accounts of Black history tend to begin. But this is a book about all of our ancestors, and one which enables all readers to look back with pride on all that humanity has been able to accomplish. The History of We is a history that includes all of us.' Just Imagine

'Many children's view of their own culture will be affirmed by this important book, which should take pride of place in school libraries and KS2 classroom book corners.' ReadingZone

'It is difficult to find the words for the scope of this title. It is indeed a history lesson, a call to reflect on where we all began and to understand. But beyond this it is a celebration perhaps even a proclamation of our shared ancestry and, by putting that at the heart of the way we live now, it could never be more timely... a world of discovery [in] each exquisitely illustrated page... [this book is] hard to define – other than to know that it will certainly leave a mark on each reader and afford discussion of a rare and special kind.' Books for Keeps

'Through its poetic and inclusive language that flows so beautifully alongside the striking acrylic artwork, The History of We reminds us that not everything is taught in school, while painting a beautiful picture of the talented, creative, hardworking, and resilient people who came before us. It is a love letter to our ancestors. Young readers will be enraptured by the evocative imagery, and this form of storytelling will broaden their horizons and expand their education. Now more than ever, it is so important that children have access to high-quality, empathetic, diverse, and inclusive books, so that all children can see themselves represented—and celebrated—in the stories they read. This is a must-read.' Children's Books Ireland