by D.D.Rathnayake
With powerful words from Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director of I’m Your Neighbor Books, set the tone for an unforgettable celebration of culture, community,and storytelling on November 9, 2024 in Portland.
“We ALL belong in America.”
-Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director of I’m Your Neighbor Books
The spotlight of the evening was on the new bilingual picture book, Kende-Kende-Kende! officially launched at the East End School Community Room, Portland. Co-written by Yaya Gentille, a Congolese early education teacher, and Kirsten Cappy, this vibrant story captures the adventurous spirit of a young girl navigating life’s journeys and celebrates the resilience of refugee families.
Stories That Cross Borders
What makes Kende-Kende-Kende! truly special is its multilingual essence. The story weaves together English, French, and Lingala, inviting readers to experience the rhythm of Central African culture. But it doesn’t stop there—the book offers audio read-alouds in seven languages, bringing its message of belonging to families from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
“Our goal was simple,to create a book that welcomes every family, no matter their first language.”
-Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director of I’m Your Neighbor Books
Community Voices at the Heart of the Project
Behind the pages of Kende! Kende! Kende! lies a collective effort. Audio recordings in languages like Kinyarwanda , Swahili , Portuguese , and Arabic were created with the help of community members from Angola, Burundi, Congo, and beyond. With support from the Maine Humanities Council and technical expertise from WMPG, the University of Southern Maine’s community radio station, the project truly became a celebration of voices.
The Amjambo Africa team played a vital role in shaping the book’s language accessibility. Contributors like Jean Hakuzimana, Eloge Willy Kaneza, and Elisabeth Nguizani lent their talents to the Swahili and Kinyarwanda translations and recordings. Photographer Mark Mattos and illustrator Rahana Dariah worked closely to bring the landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda to life.
A Celebration of Community and Culture
The launch event brought families together to explore the power of bilingual storytelling. Parents and children gathered to hear readings, share personal migration stories, and celebrate cultural exchange.
“We’re here witnessing the richness of our community, this book is a beautiful way to teach our children the value of diversity and connection.”
-Event Attendee, Joan Carl
For author Anne Sibley O’Brien ,the book represents more than a story.
“It’s a movement. A bold step in showing publishers how stories like these can transform lives and communities.”
-Author Anne Sibley O’Brien
A Book That Gives Back
In the spirit of inclusivity, I’m Your Neighbor Books partnered with PRINT: A Bookstore ,to ensure Kende! Kende! Kende! reaches more families. For every book purchased at the event, another was donated to a Maine immigrant family.
“This is not just a book launch; it’s a ripple of belonging,”
-Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director of I’m Your Neighbor Books
Join the Movement
Kende! Kende! Kende! isn’t just a story—it’s a testament to the strength of immigrant families and the beauty of shared experiences. Whether you’re reading it in English, French, or Lingala, the message is universal: we all belong.
explore highlights from the event.
Let’s keep celebrating stories that unite us.
