Bárbara Quintino is a Brazilian illustrator and percussionist. She studied history, then architecture and urbanism, before realizing that what she really loves are the stories, the settings, and the connections to her ancestry. She has illustrated magazines, books for children and young adults, educational books, animations, and digital platforms around the world.

Kwesi accompanies his friends to Lagoon Lake, but his fear of the water keeps him on the pier, which prompts teasing from his peers. Crestfallen, Kwesi hides his tears as his mother drives him home. After enjoying a scrumptious meal of peanut soup and fufu made by his Nana Ruby, he opens up about what happened at the lake. Nana Ruby--who moved to the U.S. from a small Ghanian village as a child--tells her grandson that she never learned to swim. When she was young, white Americans filled pools with dirt rather than integrate them. But she strikes a deal with Kwesi: She will learn to swim if he does. Commeh integrates many aspects of Ghanaian culture into this story, among them the African water spirit Mami Wata (who serves as inspiration as both grandmother and child begin swim lessons), Adinkra symbols, the djembe drum, the game oware (also called mancala), and more. All of this makes for wordy though heartfelt text that's sometimes weighed down by explanations. Quintino's mixed-media illustrations are dominated by oranges, greens, and deep blues; vibrant nature scenes alternate with warm domestic tableaux. Commeh brings the narrative to a triumphant conclusion as both Kwesi and Nana Ruby dive into Lagoon Lake together. An informative and celebratory, multigenerational story of swimming. - Kirkus Reviews

★ All together, this is a multilayered and rewarding reading experience....A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of doing something new by accepting help from others.-Myra Zarnowski, School Library Journal

★"The love between Kwesi and his grandmother is both powerful and empowering, and readers will be inspired to see not only a child but also an adult naming their fears and drawing on deep roots to help the family overcome historical obstacles and personal anxiety." - Elisha Brookover, Booklist

"This is a beautiful portrayal of a grandchild-grandparent relationship. Kwesi and Nana Ruby have so much time for each other and there's wonderful understanding between them. I love the way Nany Ruby shares her family history and culture and she's a powerful role model to Kwesi in the way she triumphs over painful experiences from her past." - JUNO Magazine

"Kwesi loves to spend time on the lake - the only problem is he can't swim. But nor can his Nana Ruby and she explains how, when she moved from Ghana to the US, she never learnt. They make a pact and call on the Mami Wata - the legendary West African sea creature - to help. This is a magical tale about facing and overcoming our fears together." - Absolutely Education magazine

"Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim is an outstanding, multi-layered story. Kwesi loves to spend time but the lake with friends. Only he can't swim. Neither can Nana Ruby & over dinner one evening we discover why. The history of racism is not a comfortable one but it is important to acknowledge. This story shows us how to do that, embrace our fears and discover strength in family, friends & our own cultures." - Armadillo magazine

"Writer Kobina Commeh shares a poignant story of resilience and courage across generations in the picture book Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim." - Chicago Book Review