The Gabi That Girma Wore - by Fasika Adefris & Sara Holly Ackerman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Follows how a Gabi is made in Ethiopia from seed to harvest, to weaving to shop, to gift for Girma.

Book Synopsis

From seed to harvest, from loom to shop, to a gift for Girma, this lyrical story of the Ethiopian Gabi is a beautiful celebration of weaving, community and culture.

Written in the cadence of The House That Jack Built, this vibrant and lushly illustrated tale pays tribute to the Gabi-- a traditional Ethiopian cloth that is used to celebrate both community and culture. From the tiny seed to the fluffy white cotton, from the steady hands of the farmer to the swift fingers of the weaver, from the busy shopkeeper, to a gift for a loved one, follow the journey of the Gabi that Girma wore in this lively and rhythmic tale that's perfect to read aloud.

Review Quotes

CCBC Choice 2025
Chicago Public Library Best Books 2024

* "A winsome piece of industry, charmingly told, and perfect for reading aloud. Tesfay's illustrations simply vibrate with color, movement, and details for children to pore over... A glorious, too-brief glimpse of Ethiopia for elementary-age children."

--School Library Journal

"An illuminating tale of the love and care that go into creating this East African garment."--Kirkus

"Colorful full-page illustrations depict scenes from the story in a style reminiscent of Ethiopian embroidery. A well-crafted homage."--Booklist

About the Author

Fasika Adefris is an Amharic/Ethiopian Studies teacher at the International Community School of Addis Ababa. She has taught a weaving class with co-author Sara Holly Ackerman for several years at the school.

Sara Holly Ackerman is an early education school teacher who lives with her daughter in Brooklyn, New York.

Netsanet (Net) Tesfay is an illustrator and a graphic designer who lives with her husband and two young children in Northern California. She is a native of Ethiopia and her colorful art is influenced by her heritage and rich Ethiopian culture. You can learn more about Net by visiting her website: https: //www.kokebstudio.com.