The Sonar System is a vibrant picture book that introduces young readers to the world of sound system culture—a groundbreaking first in children's literature. Created in support of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign, the book celebrates cultural and ethnic diversity in storytelling. Set on the distant planet Tesfa, part of a sonar system where planets orbit a colossal speaker instead of a sun, the story follows inhabitants who spend their days building sound systems and enjoying music. Written and illustrated by Ras Mykha—a singer and MC known for performing with reggae sound systems like Lion Roots—the book was developed with support from Let’s Go Yorkshire. The project began in Huddersfield, a town with a surprisingly vibrant sound system scene that flourished beyond its size. The Sonar System is part of the Sound System Culture national tour, which shares the history of reggae sound systems across UK cities and continues to champion the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement.
