About
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Author
Dr. Hawani Negussie is a published author, educator, mother, and book enthusiast whose deep passion for literature influenced her decision to venture into children’s literature. She firmly believes that storytelling can bring immense joy, impart valuable knowledge, facilitate healing, and serve as a means to pass on culture and traditions across generations. Recognizing the importance of representation especially expanding the availability of literary work that highlights the lives, contributions and identify of children globally, Dr. Negussie advocates for the presence of diverse books in homes, early learning classrooms, and the lives of children worldwide.
As an accomplished early childhood educator and child development specialist, Dr. Negussie possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of early language and literacy development. She is Chair and Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education. She is also the Founder and executive director of Early Childhood Education Ethiopia.
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Illustrator
Thomas Seifu is an exceptionally talented artist with a specialization in creating captivating illustrations and developing assets for the gaming industry. His artistic repertoire encompasses a wide range of mediums, including digital paintings and traditional drawings. Notably, Thomas has honed his skills through years of dedicated practice and self-teaching, resulting in a unique and well-rounded artistic style.
With an extensive graphic design and digital art background, Thomas brings a wealth of experience to his craft. His proficiency in these fields further enhances the quality and intricacy of his artwork, enabling him to create visually stunning and immersive pieces.
His passion for artistic expression shines through in every stroke, making him a sought-after artist in the industry.
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Illustrator
Biruh Ketema is a multidisciplinary Designer/Artist (illustrator) specializing in digital and non-digital media with seven-plus years of experience in the design sector & 9 plus years in the Art sector. Over the years, he has accumulated deep knowledge and skill in visual presentation and communication.
His portfolio is filled with diverse working opportunities with Architectural/Interior design firms, individuals from all sectors, and Government sub-contractual projects; he has also illustrated for different projects, including ten-plus books for all ages, poetry books, storyboards for commercials, shoots, and presentations. Biruh has worked with animation studios as a Creative Director and storyboard artist/character animator locally and Internationally.
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Mission
Increase access, exposure, and opportunities to age-appropriate and culturally relevant children’s books.
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Vision
Build a generation of readers, thinkers and writers.
Ezam Books
Ezam Books offers fun, engaging, culturally relevant, age-appropriate, visually captivating, and multi-language books for children birth to eight. Our stories are thoughtfully crafted to promote inclusion, foster character development, provide indigenous perspectives, and support infants’ and toddlers’ early language and literacy acquisition. Additionally, our books aim to strengthen children’s sense of self, support preschoolers' reading skills, expand school-age children's linguistic abilities and build on their critical thinking skills.
What truly sets Ezam Books apart is our commitment to the art of creative storytelling. We are dedicated to showcasing the narratives of indigenous communities that are often absented from children's literature. Our books vividly capture the norms, traditions, and lived experiences of these communities, through illustrations that ignite the imagination of young readers and immerse them in the engaging world of literature.
“Raising Readers, Growing Thinkers”