The Blue Dress

Description

🌸 The Blue Dress: Tomorrow is Keitu’s Birthday!

By Teboho Moja | Illustrated by Giovanna de Lima

Ages 4–7 | Published: 2022

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🎉 A Birthday. A Dress. A Family Tradition.

Tomorrow is Keitu’s birthday! And she cannot wait to wear her special blue dress. In Keitu’s family, birthdays and celebrations are marked by wearing clothes made from a beloved family fabric — blue with tiny white dots. Each family member chooses a style, but the fabric always matches, weaving a beautiful thread of tradition and togetherness through every outfit.

This heartwarming picture book introduces young readers to the joy of birthdays, cultural pride, and the rich fabric traditions in many Black South African families. It’s a gentle celebration of identity, belonging, and the beauty of passing down traditions through clothing.

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🌍 Available in 12 Languages!

Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, isiZulu, Russian, Setswana, Spanish, Ukrainian, xiTsonga

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✍️ About the Author

Teboho Moja is a native Setswana speaker and professor of higher education at New York University. Originally from South Africa, she now lives in New York City but continues to maintain strong ties to her homeland. Her storytelling is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, bringing to life the joy and richness of South African traditions.

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🎨 About the Illustrator

Giovanna de Lima brings Keitu’s world to life with warm, colorful illustrations that celebrate family, fabric, and festivity. Her artwork reflects the joy of childhood and the cultural vibrance of Keitu’s story.

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📚 Why Kids (and Parents) Love It:

• Celebrates African family traditions and cultural pride
• Features a relatable young heroine excited about her birthday
• Gorgeous, colorful illustrations
• Great for read-alouds and multicultural collections

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Bring home The Blue Dress and celebrate culture, family, and fabulous birthday dresses with Keitu!

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