Proudly CanadianBooks picked and shipped in Canada

The Book That Kibo Wrote

by Mariana Ruiz Johnson

Subject
Books & Libraries
Age
3-5 years
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Publisher
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Size
21.3 cm × 28.2 cm
ISBN
9780802855893

One night under the acacia trees, Kibo writes a story about home. His neighbor Naki reads his words, binds them into a book, and brings it to the city. There Camilo devours Kibo’s story, remembering his childhood in the savannah. The next day he shares the book and his memories with his friend Simon. Soon Simon starts writing new songs about distant lands. Where will Kibo’s book go next, and what will it spark for its next reader?

Featuring a charming cast of animal characters, The Book that Kibo Wrote showcases the power of stories to connect readers across the globe.

About the creators

Mariana Ruiz Johnson has created or co-created over a dozen books for children, including The Adventures of Odysseus, The Book that Kibo Wrote, Xolo, and Run, Little Chaski! Her titles have received numerous starred reviews and have been published in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Mariana lives in Argentina, where she teaches illustration at the University of Buenos Aires. Follow her on Instagram @marianaruizjohnson.

Lawrence Schimel is an award-winning author who writes in both Spanish and English. He has published over 50 books for kids. He lives in Madrid, Spain, where in addition to his own writing, he works as a literary translator.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

This title isn't available to order right now. Browse the book shop for thousands that are.

What reviewers said

Booklist
“While it ends somewhat abruptly, this overall delightful story, translated from the original Spanish, celebrates discovering joy in books—and sharing the experience with others.”
The Wall Street Journal
“This gentle story shows not only the value of a singular vision, whether belonging to a rhino or anyone else, but also the wisdom of putting it on paper.”
School Library Journal
“The trifecta of reading, writing, and sharing at the heart of this visually engaging title becomes transformative. Highly recommended.”
The Horn Book Magazine
“Satisfying in itself, this book will also find a happy home in classrooms and serve as a springboard for young bookmakers’ creative endeavors.”
© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.