The Mary
A Story of Light, Land, and the Women of East Africa
Who is Mary?
Mary began as a symbol of the countless women of East Africa whose strength, resilience, and determination sustain their families, farms, and communities every day.
Mary is not just one woman.
Mary is many women.
She is the farmer rising before sunrise to tend her crops. She is the mother carrying hope for her children. She is the entrepreneur building a future for her family. She is the teacher, the leader, the dreamer, and the caretaker.
Mary represents the women of East Africa whose strength, resilience, and determination shape their communities every day.
While Mary's story is told through a single character, her journey is inspired by countless real women whose lives are changing through access to education, opportunity, sustainable agriculture, and community support.
Mary is not one story.
Mary is everywhere.
About the Book
The Mary: A Story of Light, Land, and the Women of East Africa is a beautifully illustrated children's book that follows Mary's journey as new opportunities begin to transform her village.
As access to energy, tools, education, and agricultural resources grows, Mary discovers that even small changes can create lasting impact for families and entire communities.
Written for children ages 5–9, The Mary introduces young readers to themes of resilience, hope, community, and global connection through vibrant artwork and an inspiring story rooted in real-world experiences across East Africa.
Meet the Author
Darci Dillin
Darci Dillin is a first-time author and co-founder of the African Farmers Market initiative. Working alongside founder John Tate, she helped transform the project's early vision into a growing effort that connects African farmers, artists, and communities with the world.
Inspired by the women whose work forms the foundation of rural agricultural life, Darci created The Mary to celebrate resilience, opportunity, and the power of community. Through storytelling, she hopes to help young readers discover the people behind the products they enjoy and the lives transformed through access to education, energy, and economic opportunity.
Darci lives in Colorado with her family, her many animals, and an unwavering belief that small acts of hope can create lasting change.
Meet the Artist
Benard Omondi
Benard Omondi is a contemporary visual artist from Kenya whose work is recognized for its bold textures, vibrant color, and expressive storytelling. Raised in Kibera, one of Africa's most dynamic communities, his art explores themes of identity, resilience, and hope through richly layered imagery.
For The Mary, Benard brought the story to life through illustrations inspired by the beauty, strength, and spirit of East African communities. His artwork captures both everyday life and extraordinary possibility, inviting readers to experience the world through a lens of connection, imagination, and shared humanity.
Through every brushstroke, Benard seeks to tell meaningful stories that bridge cultures and celebrate the people who inspire them.
Buy The Mary
Buy The Mary
A beautifully illustrated children's book inspired by the women, farmers, and communities of East Africa. Through Mary's journey, young readers discover resilience, hope, and how small changes can create lasting impact.
Mary is not just one girl.
She is many women.
Set in a small village in East Africa, The Mary: A Story of Light, Land, and the Women of East Africa follows a woman whose world begins to change as new opportunities bring light, education, and hope to her community.
Beautifully illustrated by Kenyan artist Benard Omondi, this inspiring children's book introduces readers to resilience, community, and the power of possibility. Inspired by real-world efforts supporting women farmers and rural communities across East Africa, The Mary connects farm to table and soil to soul through a story that encourages empathy, curiosity, and understanding.
Recommended for ages 5–9.
Written by Darci Dillin • Illustrated by Benard Omondi