Let’s meet Bakari and his jungle friends!

Illustrated cover of 'Bakari’s Brave Heart' featuring a cute animated monkey sitting on a tree branch, surrounded by green foliage, with text 'Shani Z. Nesmith' at the bottom.

Book One - AVAILABLE NOW

Deep in the African jungle, where the trees dance and rivers sing, a young chimpanzee named Bakari dreams of making friends. But being the quiet one isn’t always easy—especially when Mosi the gorilla and his gang of primates love to tease him!

Bakari’s Brave Heart - Characters

  • Cartoon monkey with large eyes and ears, looking intrigued.

    Bakari the Chimpanzee - (Ba-Kah-Ri)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "one who will succeed"
    Inspiration: The chimpanzee is one of the smartest primates in Africa, known for using tools and forming close family bonds!
    Role in the Story: Shy but kind-hearted, Bakari learns that real strength comes from courage and friendship.

  • 3D animated baby monkey with large eyes and a playful expression

    Nia the Vervet Monkey - (NEE-ah)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "purpose"
    Role in the Story**:** Nia is the first to stand up for Bakari and leads him to find wisdom and strength.

  • Animated gorilla with a playful expression in a green forest setting.

    Mosi the Gorilla - (MOE-si)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "first" or "born first"
    Inspiration: Gorillas are gentle giants but also powerful leaders of their groups.
    Role in the Story: Mosi starts as a bully but later learns the power of kindness and inclusion.

  • Cartoon baboon with wide eyes and smile

    Kito the Baboon - (KEE-Toe)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "precious"
    Role in the Story: A member of Mosi’s group, Kito joins in teasing Bakari but later realizes friendship is more fun than bullying.

  • Animated baby monkey with spiky hair standing in a jungle path, surrounded by lush green foliage.

    Chima the Black Crested Mangabey - (CHEE-mah)

    Chima’s Name Meaning: Igbo for "God knows"
    Role in the Story: As part of Mosi’s group, and Sizwe’s brother, he learns an important lesson about respect.

  • Animated monkey character with large eyes and dark fur, standing confidently with hands on hips in a colorful garden, surrounded by pink and red flowers.

    Sizwe the Black Crested Mangabey - (SIZ-weh)

    Sizwe’s Name Meaning: Zulu for "nation"
    Role in the Story: As part of Mosi’s group, he learns alongside brother, Chima, an important lesson about respect.

  • Animated cheetah in jungle setting

    Kijani the Leopard - (Kee-JAH-Nee)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "youthful" or "full of life"
    Inspiration: Leopards are strong and stealthy, symbolizing intelligence and independence.
    Role in the Story: Kijani teaches Bakari that strength is not just about muscles—it’s about courage and self-worth.

  • 3D animated rhinoceros with large horn in a cartoon style, standing in a lush environment.

    Baraka the Rhinoceros - (Ba-RAH-Kah)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "blessings"
    Inspiration: Rhinos are powerful yet calm, often seen as symbols of wisdom.
    Role in the Story: Baraka shares wisdom on standing tall, even in the face of challenges.

  • Cartoon lion with expressive face in forest setting.

    Hodari the Lion - (Ho-Dah-Ri)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "brave" or "strong"
    Inspiration: Lions are known as the "kings of the jungle," representing strength and leadership.
    Role in the Story: Hodari shows Bakari that true strength comes from standing together.

Cover of "Bakari & Nia: Loving Who We Are" by Shani Z. Nesmith, featuring two animated monkeys in a lush jungle setting with colorful flowers.

Book Two AVAILABLE NOW!

Long necks, bold stripes, flapping ears, and sparkling colors—the jungle is full of amazing friends, and every difference makes it brighter!

Swing along with Bakari and Nia as they remind their friends (and themselves!) that being one-of-a-kind is the greatest adventure of all.

Bakari & Nia: Loving Who We Are - Characters

  • Illustration of a cute cartoon monkey with big eyes and expressive facial features, clasping its hands.

    Bakari the Chimpanzee

  • Cute cartoon monkey with big eyes and a playful smile.

    Nia the Vervet Monkey

  • Cute cartoon giraffe with smiling expression

    Jahni the Giraffe - (JAH-nee)

    Name Meaning: "Gift from God"

  • 3D cartoon zebra character with large eyes and a friendly expression.

    Zola the Zebra - (ZOH-la)

    Name Meaning: Congolese for "piece of earth"

  • Cartoon elephant with big ears and tusks, standing upright.

    Jabari the African Elephant - (Jah-BAH-Ri)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "brave (one)" or "powerful ruler"

  • Animated green chameleon with exaggerated eyes

    Kazi the Chameleon - (KAH-Zee)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "work" or "employment"

  • Cartoon hippopotamus smiling with wide eyes

    Dembe the Hippopotamus - (DEM-Beh)

    Name Meaning: Often means "peace" especially in Uganda.

  • Animated creature with scales and sharp teeth

    Khamari the Pangolin - (Kah-MAH-Ri)

    Name Meaning: Swahili for "moon"