About Ikut Swami
Celebrating word cultures through literature, photography and music.
Celebrating World Cultures
The Publication and Production Company, Ikut Swami, LLC, was established in 2024 to honor the legacy of Cristina Kessler, and as a tribute to the memory of Cristina and her husband Joe Kessler. At the end of her memoir, “Tales of an Ikut Swami,” Cristina mentioned two African proverbs. One was, “Life isn’t about what you haven’t done — it’s about what you do next.” Friends have noted how that captures the life she and Joe lived for almost 50 years together.
Cristina and Joe shared a desire to give back to the world.
Ikut Swami’s Vision
Empower young writers and illustrators to nurture critical thinking and cultivate a sense of community which transcends geographic and cultural boundaries.
Ikut Swami’s Mission
Support literature committed to sharing rich cultures with global readers, inspiring young writers and illustrators through programs, which offer opportunities for publication, mentorship and creative development.
Cristina Kessler
Cristina Kessler was an award-winning author of nine books set in Africa, where she lived for 19 years. She received the 2015 Lumen Award, given for “excellence in nonfiction for young readers” with Hope is Here! She received the Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award from the ASPCA for Excellence in Humane Literature for Young Readers; the Africana Book Award, from the African Studies Association, honoring outstanding books about Africa for children and young adults; and has been included many times on the Notable Books for a Global Society list. She wrote about nature and cross-cultural topics.