Jamalas Block2025-12-30T17:03:26+00:00

Welcome to Jamala’s Block

Jamala’s Block: An innovative and enlightening digital neighborhood that covers the intersection of creativity and knowledge. Our online backyard pulsates with the vibrancy of culture, wonder, and generational shared wisdom. Come on down to our street, and learn with us.

About the Book

Packy and Tari: A First-Cousin Tale is a richly illustrated children’s adventure that blends the rhythm of the Bronx with the roar of the African savanna.

When Packy and his cousin Tari board the train to school, they enter a world of imagination where panthers lead tribes, elephants forge paths, and young cubs rise to defend their village. Inspired by their powerful elders—Panther Mother Afeni and Matriarch Glo—Packy and Tari set out on a daring mission to unite animal tribes and protect the land from hungry wolves and hidden threats.

Told through the voice of their cousin Jamala during subway rides and city strolls, this magical tale celebrates family, unity, courage, and the power of storytelling. Packy and Tari: A First-Cousin Tale is a heartfelt journey that reminds us that with imagination and love, even the youngest among us can help lead the way.

About the Book

Packy and Tari: A First-Cousin Tale is a richly illustrated children’s adventure that blends the rhythm of the Bronx with the roar of the African savanna.

When Packy and his cousin Tari board the train to school, they enter a world of imagination where panthers lead tribes, elephants forge paths, and young cubs rise to defend their village. Inspired by their powerful elders—Panther Mother Afeni and Matriarch Glo—Packy and Tari set out on a daring mission to unite animal tribes and protect the land from hungry wolves and hidden threats.

Told through the voice of their cousin Jamala during subway rides and city strolls, this magical tale celebrates family, unity, courage, and the power of storytelling. Packy and Tari: A First-Cousin Tale is a heartfelt journey that reminds us that with imagination and love, even the youngest among us can help lead the way.

Book Characters

Packy

Tari

Afeni

Matriarch

About the Author

Jamala Lesane, Endearingly known as “Moo,” an extraordinary individual closely linked to the illustrious Tupac Shakur as his cherished first cousin. Drawing inspiration from Tupac’s path, Jamala has carved her own unique journey in the realm of music, following in his footsteps and expressing herself through her distinctive style of rap.

Legacy Library

Community Courtyard

Top Reviews from The United States

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ April 12, 2023
Kudos to this author that shared her daughter’s journey with type 1 diabetes at onset. This is story that is easy for a family to share and for Organizations that support childhood diabetes must buy this book to educate kids about diabetes. It’s a great learning tool for the class room to the doctors office; including pediatric endocrinologists and pediatricians. Kids are smart and parents need to listen to their kids!
There are lessons to be learned in this little story that packs a big punch of reality. This easy to read story is accompanied by colorful warm illustrations. It’s a Great family gift that is not just for diabetics. Type 1 juvenile diabetes needs exposure to create public awareness and this little book will not collect dust on your book shelf  

Rene, A story to educate everyone!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ April 3, 2023
What I really like about the book is that it tells us that we all need to be aware of our health, and that we need to pay attention to our bodies and especially to someone that’s telling you they notice somethings wrong no matter what the age is. this is definitely a book that needs to be in the school system.

Gary Tyler, A book that all ages can learn from.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ April 7, 2023
This book brings awareness to juvenile diabetes and the importance of listening to children. What a wonder girl to diagnose herself with diabetes and the level of awareness to the symptoms of diabetes. Great book! The colors are vibrant and the illustration is amazing!

Dina, Great book about juvenile diabetes awareness!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ March 25, 2023
“Mommy, I Think I Have Diabetes'” is sweet and fun to read. The story is simple, direct, and real. Imani is smart and relentless. Like our own kids, she refuses to give up. Her story gives families a chance to hear each other. My granddaughter loved it. No frills, just a children’s picture book with a moral: Listen to your child, improve her health!

Christy Newland, The Power of Listening to our Children

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ March 25, 2023
I like the fact that the author, Jamala saying that the children in her community should learn about having diabetes. The illustration is wonderful for children to see what is going on within their bodies. A story well written.

Georgette Webbert, This book should be taught in Schools.

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