The History of We

An awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from author and #1New York Timesbestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith.

Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their ancestry back to that continent.The History of Wecelebrates our shared ancestors’ ingenuity and achievements and imagines what these firsts would have looked and felt like.

What was it like for the first person to paint, to make music, to dance, to discover medicine, to travel to unknown lands? It required courage, curiosity, and skill.

The History of Wetakes what we know about modern human civilization and, through magnificent paintings, creates a tale about our shared beginnings in a way that centers Black people in humankind’s origin story.

Nikkolas Smithis a Houston, Texas-born Artivist, picture book author, and Hollywood film illustrator. He is the illustrator of the groundbreaking #1New York TimesbestsellerThe 1619 Project: Born on the Waterwritten by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Rene Watson. Nikkolas is also the illustrator ofThe Golden Girls of Rio, nominated for an NAACP Image Award,Black Panther: Wakanda Forever The Courage to Dream,I Am Ruby,My Hair Is Poofy and That’s Okay, andWorld Cup Women. As a Black illustrator, Nikkolas is focused on creating captivating art that can spark important conversations around social justice in today’s world and inspire meaningful change. He lives in Los Angeles, California. You can visit him at www.NIKKOLAS.art.

• Publisher: Kokila (May 20, 2025)
• Language: English
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780593619681
• Reading age: 4 – 8 years
• Grade level: Preschool – 3
• Item Weight: 1 pound
• BISAC Categories: People & Places – United States – African American, History – Exploration & Discovery, Diversity & Multicultural