Oh No, Ojó

Written and Illustrated by Alaba Onajin. Release date: July 15, 2025 (Random House Studio)

Ojó loves to draw, but what happens when he starts to draw everywhere he shouldn’t? From an emerging Nigerian talent comes a humorous story dealing with a common preschooler issue.

More than anything else, Ojó loves to draw. Mama says, “My little Ojó is making the world a more beautiful place.” But when he sneaks off with his sister’s pencil, she gets upset. Papa brings home markers, and Ojó starts drawing everywhere he shouldn’t. He ruins Papa’s newspaper and Mama’s shopping list and on every blank space he can find. How can his family encourage his love for drawing while teaching him that he can’t draw everywhere?

Then Ojó’s sister brings home a big pad of paper and Ojó immediately begins to fill it up. Mama hangs his drawings all over the house so Ojó can still make the world a more beautiful place.          

This captivating picture book is a fun and funny read aloud with pictures that will make readers laugh. Based on the author-artist’s own childhood, this lush Nigerian setting introduces kids to a place that is seldom seen in picture books.

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“Nigerian author/illustrator Ònájìn’s colorful digital images and simple sentence structure (marked by a refrain of “Oh no, Ojó!”) bring to life a story about the highs and lows of the artistic process. Every member of Ojó’s family has delightful, memorable expressions, especially the alternately indignant and caring Oge. All characters present Black, and visuals imply an African setting. Charming and sweet.” - Read more Kirkus Reviews