Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Bernard Mensah!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Bernard Mensah
Bernard Mensah grew up in Ghana, climbing trees, playing soccer, and dreaming up stories at the library. Bernard now lives in the United Kingdom with his two rambunctious boys, where he works in software and writes stories. He is passionate about Black and African representation in publishing and founded HabermanNerds to nurture and promote African storytelling. Esi the Brave (Who Was Not Afraid of Anything) is his debut and the first of several children’s books.
About the Book: ESI THE BRAVE (WHO WAS NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING)
A bold and bright picture book about being brave when you’re scared in a new, overwhelming environment
Esi is a brave Ghanaian girl who is not afraid of anything. Monsters and ghosts should be scared of her!
When she sets off for the annual Kakamotobi Festival with her parents, she’s confident she’ll be fine. Her mother warns that there’s going to be loud music and scary masks and a very big crowd, but Esi’s unconcerned. She’s not afraid of anything.
But when they get to the festival and her parents suddenly disappear in a crowd of terrifying monster masks, Esi realizes that to save her parents, she’ll have to be the bravest she’s ever been. With detail-packed illustrations and a text begging to be read aloud, this is the perfect story about finding your inner strength to be brave.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
My inspiration came from my own childhood experience of attending the Kakamotobi Festival. It was such a vivid event that I knew I had to bring it to life in a story. Beyond that, my other stories are inspired by African folklore, the rich history and cultures of the African continent, and sometimes even the funny things my kids do!
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Esi, without a doubt. Her courage, resilience, and curiosity are at the heart of this story. She starts off full of beans, gets knocked back a bit by the unusual masks around her, but finds her brave which I find really cool!
YABC: How do you know when a book is finished?
That’s a hard question. A book can always be tweaked, but with Esi, I probably went through about 30 revisions. My editor and I made even the smallest changes—sometimes just a word or two—to get the pacing and rhythm just right. We knew it was done when it felt like a fun, read-aloud experience that hit all the right beats.
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
I did a lot of research on the Kakamotobi Festival and other traditional Ghanaian festivals to ensure the cultural details were accurate. I spoke to some of the performers and even got my sister to attend the festival, sending me pictures and videos because I couldn’t be there myself. That helped me capture the atmosphere and excitement.
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
I’ll share a secret: I’m a kid at heart and I and my two kids spend a lot of time together which really helps me keep an authentic voice for those age groups. I also read a lot in the age range I am writing for to ensure its authentic.
YABC: What type of scene do you love to write the most?
It really depends on the book, but I love scenes where characters discover their inner strength. In Esi the Brave, my favorite moment is when Esi faces the ‘monsters’—the festival masks—armed with nothing but her courage. In Kwame’s Magic Quest, there’s a magical battle scene that I had so much fun writing. I guess I’m drawn to those moments where characters push through their fears and find solutions.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space?
The library! I have a favorite spot, and I get there early to claim it. It’s perfect because if I hit a creative block or need a break, I can just grab a book and get inspired again.
YABC: What other age group would you consider writing for?
I want to write for ALL age groups! I’ve got picture books and chapter books coming out, and I’m also working on nonfiction science titles. Next up is middle grade, and I hope you’ll see one of my middle-grade books on shelves in the next two years. After that, I’m eyeing YA as my next adventure.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I have a lot of exciting projects coming out soon! There’s a nonfiction book about cats with National Geographic called Can’t Get Enough Cats, the third installment of Kwame’s Magic Quest, and three picture books—Jollof Day, Kente for JoJo, and Sunshine Baby—all releasing next year. There’s something for everyone, and I’m thrilled to share these stories with readers!
~ Giveaway Details ~
One (1) winner will receive a copy of ESI THE BRAVE (WHO WAS NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING) (Bernard Mensah) ~US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
