The Best Jollof Rice Ever

By Onyinye Iwu

A warm and funny picture book about the popular West African dish, from Nigerian author Onyinye Iwu, that shows how things work out best when you do them together.

Jollof is a a delicious, spicy rice, and vegetable dish originating in West Africa and now known and enjoyed world-wide. It's the favorite food of best friends Kwame and Kamsi. But who makes the best Jollof? "My mom," says Kwame. "No, my mom," says Kamsi.

The two boys have a great idea. "Let's each make our own and see whose is really best " Carefully they pick their ingredients. But Kwame likes playing tricks on Kamsi, and Kamsi likes playing tricks on Kwame. Kamsi secretly adds nettles to Kwame's Jollof, and Kwame pops a caterpillar into Kamsi's. Puddle water, fiery ants and old dry chewing gum follow. What a mess They've both made the worst Jollofs ever.

But in the kitchen their moms are sharing the preparation of a real Jollof rice dish, and call the two sad boys in to help. What a difference "Alone we make good Jollof," say the moms. "But together we make the best Jollof ever." And the boys agree-it's best to work together (but sometimes they still play tricks on each other).

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1623716039
• ISBN13: 9781623716035
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Crocodile Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.5" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3