Hi I’m Tammy, the author and creator of Rava Bhuku and I’m excited to share my journey with you. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in the UK, I’ve always cherished my roots. Although I can speak Shona, I never had the chance to read or write it myself. Now, as a proud mum raising two daughters in London, I’m passionate about preserving our culture and ensuring my children stay connected to their heritage through language.

It was important for our books to be bilingual because in our home we celebrate the beauty of bilingualism. It’s crucial for many African families in the diaspora—like ours—to embrace our native languages alongside English. Research shows that reading a language enriches the learning experience. This belief inspired the creation of Rava Bhuku.

What began as a simple sticker book for my daughters featuring animal names in Shona and English has blossomed into a vibrant series of lift-the-flap and colouring books in seven African languages (and counting!). Our mission is clear: to make learning an African language joyful and accessible for children in the diaspora.

At Rava Bhuku, we believe that reading to children from a young age opens up a world of words and ignites a lifelong love for books. This journey has been incredibly rewarding as I learn and grow alongside my daughters, join us on this adventure to celebrate our heritage because Learning does not end!