The Case of the Missing Kolo

Ages 7 to 11, Grades 2 to 6

A charismatic young sleuth takes on a case close to home in this new graphic novel series set in a vibrant African community.

Ten-year-old Korobá knows everyone in Makoko, the Nigerian fishing village where she lives. 

She knows her way up and down the bright, colorful waterways, knows where to sell fried shrimp, and knows what to look for at the crowded daily market. Makoko is her playground, and she roams free with her best friends, Saidat and Joba, and her adorable dog, Popi.

The last thing Korobá would expect in Makoko is a thief. Yet Saidat’s wooden piggy bank—her Kolo—has been stolen. The children of Makoko save coins in their Kolo all year long, waiting to spend their money at the annual harvest festival. Saidat saved and saved, but now she will have nothing. It’s not fair!

Korobá knows what good detectives do…(sort of?). Should the primary suspect be Saidat’s grumpy cousin, visiting on vacation? Or could it be the village carpenter, who has been doing some work on Saidat’s house? It's up to Detective Korobá to catch the thief and find the missing Kolo before Breaking Day!

Buckle up, budding mystery fans… It’s time to join Korobá and friends on their thrilling chase for the culprit. With rich, detailed illustrations—featuring some very important clues—that bring Makoko to life, this one-of-a-kind series is a modern day Tintin meets Encyclopedia Brown.

About the Author

Àlàbá Ònájìn is the Nigerian-born author/illustrator of Waaa Waaa Goes Tawa!, as well as multiple collaborations with UNESCO, portraying the lives of prominent African women. Ònájìn also illustrated an adult graphic novel, On Ajayi Crowther Street, which was a Publishers Weekly “Graphic Novel Critics Poll Honorable Mention.” GQ Magazine named it a “Best New Book” and raved: “The real star of [the graphic novel] is Lagos.” Korobá is his first graphic novel for children.

Author Residence: United Kingdom

Author Hometown: Nigeria