Books by Auntie Jo Jo

Two classic fairy tales get a brand-new twist in this playful retelling. It’s a long-awaited collaboration between Auntie Jo Jo and her granddaughter, Astarte, who grew up sitting at her grandmother’s feet listening to stories.

Auntie Jo Jo’s first comic book, co-written and illustrated by Patrick Harrington. ROOTS has shared it with families at events like the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention.

Have you ever made a decision, only to have more than one person give you their advice—and things didn’t turn out the way you expected? That’s exactly what happens when a farmer and his son set off to take their mule to market to sell for school clothes. They’re so excited, they sing a song along the way to keep up their spirits.

Auntie Jo Jo’s retelling was first published in Sayin’ Somethin’, the first anthology from the National Association of Black Storytellers.

Inspired by Auntie Jo Jo’s journey to South Africa, this story takes readers to Table Mountain in Cape Town, where talking, singing animals learn a lesson about minding their behavior—with a little help from Cousin Monkey.

“I think Mrs. D book was stupendous because it teaches a very amazing lesson and the awesome singing and talking animals.” — Nylah E., young reader