It Is Settled: The Best Jollof Rice

A joyful children’s picture book celebrating culture, family, and unity—one delicious pot at a time.

Five countries. Five families. One friendly jollof rice debate—settled by love, laughter, and community.

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About The StoryA Friendly Debate Turns Into aPowerful Lesson

When Nanjay proudly declares that Liberian jollof rice is the best in all of West Africa, his friends from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and The Gambia strongly disagree. Each child is convinced their country’s jollof rice reigns supreme.

Rather than argue, the children come up with a brilliant idea: a community-wide jollof rice contest where families cook, children judge, and culture takes center stage.

But when a bee causes a kitchen disaster just before the big day, Nanjay learns that teamwork, resilience, and a little tomato paste can save more than just dinner.

Set in a vibrant diaspora community, It Is Settled: The Best Jollof Rice celebrates food, heritage, and the truth that different does not mean better.

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Meet The Children & CountriesFive Children. Five Cultures.One Community.

Each child proudly cooks jollof rice with their family, representing their country’s traditions, flavors, and pride—while learning that culture is something to celebrate together, not compete over harshly.

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Liberia flag

NanjayFrom Liberia

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Ghana flag

AfiaFrom Ghana

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Nigeria flag

TundeFrom Nigeria

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Senegal flag

AminataFrom Senegal

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Gambia flag

IssaFrom The Gambia

Why This Book MattersMore Than a StoryA Mirror for Children

Many children in the diaspora rarely see their culture, food, and family traditions reflected positively in books.

This book turns a familiar debate into a lesson in belonging.

This story helps children:

  • Feel seen and proud of their heritage
  • Feel seen and proud of their heritage
  • Understand unity without erasing differences
  • Feel seen and proud of their heritage

What’s IncludedWhat Families & Educators Will Love

  • 32-page full-color picture book
  • A joyful, child-friendly story for ages 3–13
  • A jollof rice recipe children can cook with adults
  • Illustration guide to jollof ingredients
  • Celebration of West African culture in the diaspora

Perfect for:

  • Family Read-alouds
  • Classrooms & Libraries
  • Cultural Nights & Community Events
  • Early Learning and Elementary Programs

The Heart of the StoryDifferentBut Not Better

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“My jollof rice is the best. But so is Afia’s. And Tunde’s. And Aminata’s. And Issa’s. Different—but also the same. Different—but not better.”

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This story teaches children that pride and humility can coexist.

Bonus: Family Jollof RecipeCook Along With Nanjay

Included in the book is Nanjay’s Best Jollof Rice Recipe, encouraging:

  • Family bonding in the kitchen
  • Cultural learning through food
  • Conversations across generations
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Download the recipe

About The AuthorMeet the Author

My name is Janet K. Gboluma-Kalonji, and I am a Liberian American author, educator, and the founder of Project 2000 and First Five Years & Beyond in Washington State.

I was raised in Liberia, a place where rice is loved so deeply that if you ask a child, “Have you eaten today?” and if they haven’t eaten rice, they will honestly say, “No.”

Growing up, I never owned a book of my own. That experience shaped me. Today, I joyfully collect books, read to children whenever I can, and write the culturally rich stories I wish I had as a young girl.

I am the mother of six children, including my son Nanjay, the inspiration behind It Is Settled: The Best Jollof Rice. When I’m not writing, I love singing gospel music, cooking big family meals, and championing children around the world as they learn, grow, and discover their strengths.

My mission is simple: to create stories that affirm identity, celebrate heritage, and help every child feel seen.

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