Tag Archives: Cassava Republic Press

30 Tips for Writing Delightful Children’s Books Day 3

ARTICLES, LITERARY RAMBLES, Writing Picture Books Course, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WRITING CHILDREN’S BOOKS TIP #3: KNOW YOUR ONIONS, well, GENRES

Let’s talk about genres. Children’s books have been divided into so many genres and categories that it is so hard to keep up. But here are the major ones.

NB: This post features children’s books by Nigerian authors.

GENRES*

Picture Books

Heavily illustrated; ages 3 – 8; 100 – 1000 words

Greatest Animal in the Jungle by Sope Martins

Juba and the Fireball by Yejide Kilanko

Mayowa and the Masquerades by Lola Shoneyin

Early Chapter Books

Illustrated; ages 4/5 – 8; 1000 – 3000 words

Welcome Home, Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke

Feyi Fay and the Mysterious Madam Koi Koi by Simisayo Brownstone

Chapter books

Few Illustrations; ages 6 – 9; 5000 – 20,000 words

Mafoya and the Finish Line by Ayo Oyeku

No 1 Car Spotter by Atinuke

Middle Grade:

Rarely illustrated; ages 8 – 12; 25,000 – 50,000

A-Files by Victoria Afe Inegbedion

Akata Witch/What Sunny Saw in the Flames by Nnedi Okoroafor

Mirror on the Wall by Jesutofunmi Fekoya

Young Adult

Almost never illustrated; ages 13+ ; 40,000 – 100,000 words

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi

Other genres:

Concept Books

Diary of a Toddler by Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi

A Fun ABC by Sade Fadipe

Plays

Mouth Almighty by Salihah Agbaje

Graphic Novels

Anike Eleko by Sandra Joubeaud and Alaba Onajin

Comics

1897: Okiojo’s Chronicles Series

Nonfiction*

My Nigeria, Peoples, Places and Culture by Constance Omawumi Kola-Lawal

Social Justice Books

Eno’s Story by Ayodele Olofintuade

The Red Transistor Radio by Fatima Akilu

OTHER CATEGORIES

Action/Adventure

Ginika’s Adventures by Nnenna Ochiche

The Adventures of Obi and Titi: Queen Idia’s Mask

Series

Illesanmi Twins Series. Book #1 Mystery at Ebenezer Lodge by Dunni Olatunde

Half Hour Hara Series. Book #1 The Case of the Broken Eggs by Ugo Anidi

Science Fiction

Zahra the Windseeker by Nnedi Okoroafor

Folktales/Fairytales

Folktales are Forever by Efe Farinre

Biographies

Idia of the Benin kingdom by Ekiuwa Aire

Please note: This list is by no means exhaustive!

  1. Action: Get a library subscription

Try Bookworm Café. This outfit specializes only in children’s books and its Director is a children’s literature connoisseur.

Try ZODML, Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries too!

OR

Be like me, buy every single book on this list … AND MORE 😊

2. Read.

Read 2 to 3 books in each genre to determine which one appeals to you😊

Then when you find your niche, read as many books as possible in that genre. Good luck!

Get the next tip in your inbox. Click on the link below to subscribe to my newsletter!!

*post on nonfiction coming soon

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Our Top Ten Nigerian Bookshops for Children

ARTICLES, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OUR TOP TEN NIGERIAN BOOKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN

*in no particular order

  1. LEARNINGTON BOOKSTORE

 JUST FOR KIDS

ADDRESS: Surulere, Lagos

CONTACT PHONE NO: 08025018312

EMAIL: orders@learnington-ng.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://www.learnington-ng.com

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Very easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: Their books are absolutely scrumptious. We love them because their site is so blissfully easy to navigate. It’s almost as good as walking around in a bookshop.

  1. TAMS INK

 JUST FOR KIDS 

ADDRESS: None

CONTACT PHONE NO: +2348097489086

EMAIL: hello@tamsinkbooks.com.ng

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://www.tamsinkbooks.com.ng

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: They have quite a number of books for kids. We absolutely love them for their quirky list. Pick up the most random books from here, international bestsellers, books you’ll likely not find in other bookshops. Warning, they’re a bit pricey.

  1. THE BOOKWORM CAFÉ

  JUST FOR KIDS

ADDRESS: Kaldi Africa House, 1 Adeyemi Bero Crescent, Ilupeju, Lagos

CONTACT PHONE NO: 08023388640

EMAIL: info@thebookwormcafe.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://thebookwormcafe.com

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Relatively easy

BOOK CLUB: Yes

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes!!

OUR REVIEW: We love them for their books yes, BUT we love them TO BITS because they have the most fun book-related events for kids.

  1. READING CORNER NIGERIA

 JUST FOR KIDS

ADDRESS: 3 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

CONTACT PHONE NO: 0812 406 8181; 2348140000041

EMAIL: info@ReadingCorner.ng

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://readingcorner.ng/

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Very easy

BOOK CLUB: Yes

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: We love this store to pieces!! They have quite an extensive booklist for babies and toddlers, basically kids age 0 – 4 (including international bestsellers) and we love them for it.

  1. CHELISBOOKAZINE

JUST FOR KIDS

ADDRESS: Plot 12 Johnson Street, Off Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: 01-7742241, 08152854860, 08152854846, 08037128290, 08033324289, 09030096733 (helpline)

EMAIL: customercare@chelisbookazine.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://chelisbookazine.com

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Relatively easy

BOOK CLUB: Yes

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: For the longest time, this was our favourite bookshop in Nigeria. They are a favourite with many schools in Nigeria too! They have tons of books, (fiction and non-fiction) for kids 0 – 12 especially those in the 0 – 8 age group and lots of classics too. The highlight of this store: Their prices are quite pocket-friendly!!

  1. LATERNA VENTURES

ADDRESS: 13, Oko-Awo Close, Off. Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: 08100234441 (online store only); 08033014462,012715376

EMAIL: info@laternabooks.com; sales@laternabooks.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: https://www.laternabooks.com/index3.php?c=5

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Relatively easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: This is a great bookstore. It has quite a good list but do you know what we absolutely love about it? Their events! They have lots of ‘reading’ events for kids! Go to Laterna to meet your favourite Nigerian authors!

  1. BIBLE WONDERLAND

 ADDRESS: 33 Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere Lagos; OANDO Filling Station, 4th Roundabout, Lekki, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: Surulere: 08105682169, 08105682185; Lekki: 08105682183

EMAIL: biblewonderlandng@gmail.com; bookcityng@gmail.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://biblewonderlandng.com/store/index.php?route=common/home

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Not so easy. (Best to go to the Lekki and Surulere Stores)

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: Our go-to store for great Christian books for kids! They have a wide range of non-fiction on history and geography!!

  1. TERRAKULTURE 

ADDRESS: Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos

CONTACT PHONE NO: +234-1-2700-588

EMAIL: info@terrakulture.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: Work-in-progress

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Not Applicable

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: This is hands-down our best store for extraordinary books for children, ‘Made in Nigeria’

  1. FARAFINA

ADDRESS: 253 Herbert Macaulay Way, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: 08077364217

EMAIL: info@kachifo.com

WEBSITE: https://www.konga.com/kachifo-farafina or https://www.jumia.com.ng/fiction/farafina/

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: Farafina is an imprint of the Kachifo publishing house so you will be able to buy only books published by Kachifo. Their titles for kids (under the Farafina Tuuti Imprint) are GREAT!! Over the phone orders are pretty easy and straightforward and (A huge plus!) you can get same day delivery in Lagos!

  1. CASSAVA REPUBLIC

ADDRESS: Shop 62, Abuja Arts and Crafts Village, Opposite Sheraton Hotel, Central Business District Abuja

CONTACT PHONE NO: 081-85802634

EMAIL: info@cassavarepublic.biz

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/collections/childrens-books

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: A great store for home-grown books! It is owned by a publishing house so it carries only the house’s titles.

  1. KONGA

ADDRESS: None

CONTACT PHONE NO: 01 460 5555; 0809 460 5555

EMAIL: help@konga.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://www.konga.com/childrens-books

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Relatively easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: They have quite a few titles for kids. We absolutely love them for the old Nigerian classics.

 

Do you know any bookshops that should make this list? Email us at ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

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photo credit: twickermum.com

The Red Transistor Radio

AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February is Millennium Development Goals Month

Title: The Red Transistor Radio

Author: Fatima Akilu

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 32

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 4 – 8

Buy it here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/collections/childrens-books/products/the-red-transistor-radio

Price: N1200

MY SUMMARY

Khalida’s mummy had an old red transistor radio that she played ALL the time and Khalida was tired of hearing that radio. Finally, one day, she burst out,

“Mama … Why do you listen to this radio all day? It’s very annoying!”

Her aunty gave her the weirdest answer ever. “… that radio is special … it has made many things happen, including you, Khalida”

Khalida didn’t think much of her aunt’s response until she was given an assignment in school to write a story about something unusual that happened to her.

So Khalida asked her parents how the radio made her. Read the book to find out how the red transistor radio made Khalida and how its story made her famous!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: It emphasizes the Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health. It takes an important and very adult subject and breaks into tiny nuggets, making it easy for young readers to digest. It also does this in the most peculiar yet fun way, using the story of a radio. Young readers learn how to prevent maternal mortality and improve maternal health by making sure pregnant women frequent antenatal clinics, eat balanced diets and have their babies in hospitals.

DOWN: None.

RATING

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

TRIVIA

  1. The subject of this story is the Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health.

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Read an excerpt here: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Excerpt_for_websitePages_from_Red_Transistor_01-32_tp.pdf?3624
  2. Learn more about the 7th Millennium Development Goal here: https://www.unicef.org/mdg/files/childfriendlymdgs_edited.pdf

 CHALLENGE: The Red Transistor Radio

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

Read the story above and answer the questions below:

  1. Draw a girl in a Fulani outfit (4 – 6 year olds)
  1. List the Millennium Development Goals? (7 – 8 year olds)

OR

  1. Draw a picture showing 3 things pregnant women can do to prevent maternal mortality. (7 – 8 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 4 – 8 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Thursday, February 16th 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

NGOZI COMES TO TOWN by Fatima Akilu

 

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photo credit: cassavarepublic.biz

 

 

 

Princess Arabella Mixes Colours

AGES 0 - 4, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FEBRUARY IS ‘COLOUR‘ MONTH

princess_a-_mixes_colours_cover_small_large

Title: Princess Arabella Mixes Colours

Author: Mylo Freeman

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 24

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 0 – 4

Buy it here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/collections/childrens-books/products/princess-arabella-mixes-colours; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Princess-Arabella-Mixes-Colours-Freeman/dp/191111512X

Price: N1,500; £6.99

MY SUMMARY

Princess Arabella’s room is boring and she has to do something about it. So she orders the palace servants (footmen) to bring ‘lots and lots and LOTS of paint’ to her room so she can paint all the furniture in there. However, she doesn’t want the colours they’ve brought to her so she decides to MIX colours:

red + white = pink paint for her dressing table

red + yellow = orange paint for her chair

red + blue = purple paint for her mirror

blue + yellow = green paint for her bed and

black + white = grey paint for her toy elephant

Read the book to find out what happens when Princess Arabella accidentally drops the pots of paint and they go flying through the air and worse, what happens when she wakes up and thinks it was all a dream!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: There were many highlights. First off, the illustrations, they were bright and colourful. Then, the book featured lots of colours and colours are our theme for our 0 – 4 age group for the month of February! Then, its edutainment quality. It teaches kids how to mix colours in a fun way! Finally, the icing on the cake: the use of rhyme and repetition.

‘I know what to do!

I’ll mix some red and some white in this pot

stir it all up

and look what I’ve got!’

I recommend for all 0 – 4 year-olds. It’s a sturdy book too so it will survive those destructive little fingers.

DOWN: None

RATING

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Do some painting wit your child (on paper, not the room please!) and mix colours while you’re at it!
  2. See excerpt here: http://www.eenhoorn.be/foreign_rights/prinses-arabella-maakt-kleuren.html (warning, it’s in Dutch!)

CHALLENGE: Princess Arabella Mixes Colours

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Mix colours just like Arabella and use them to colour 5 shapes. (2 – 4 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 2 – 4 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book. Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Tuesday February 14th 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

BROWN BEAR BROWN BEAR WHAT CAN YOU SEE by Eric Carle

 

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photo credit: cassavarepublic.biz

 

 

Aliyyah Learns a New Dance

AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

February is Millennium Development Goals Month

 

Aliyyah learns a new dance

 Title: Aliyyah Learns a New Dance

Author: Fatima Akilu

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 32

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 4 – 8

Buy it here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/products/aliyyah-learns-a-new-dance

Price: N1200

MY SUMMARY

Aliyyah loved dancing and she was very good at it too. One day, she was chosen to represent Nigeria at an African dance competition in Tanzania. At the competition, she met and befriended dancers from different African countries especially Fanta, from Ghana. A month after winning the competition in Tanzania, Aliyyah was invited to represent Nigeria in another dance competition, this time in Sweden. Aliyyah, her family, her school, in fact the whole country were ecstatic. Her brother Ashraf started practicing new dance moves with her, the whole school suggested new dance moves, a national competition was even held to design her costume for the competition.

Shortly afterwards, she travelled to Sweden where she met young dancers from all over the world, Japan, China, India, Serbia. She learnt about their culture, e.g. the Japanese Kimono, the Indian Sari and she learnt new languages too (some words in Hindi and Cantonese).

Read the book to learn whether or not Aliyyah won the competition and all the things she learnt from her new friends. Other books in the MDG series by the same author are Ngozi comes to town and Preye and the sea of Plastic, see review here.

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: It emphasizes the Millennium Development Goal of developing global partnerships. It shows young readers that the world is a global village and we should learn as much as possible from and about our neighbours.

It also shows them that hard work pays, that anything worth doing is worth doing well and that they should strive for excellence in everything. Aliyyah is seen practicing a few times in the book and winning prizes afterwards. Most importantly, it shows young readers the advantages and the need for forging global partnerships. Aliyyah’s costume for the competition in Sweden was sewn by a tailor in Abeokuta, with a fabric made in a Chinese-owned factory in Calabar. This fabric was made from cotton grown in Nigeria whose seeds were sourced in the United States.

It ends with a beautiful line ‘Who thought I could learn so much through dance?”

DOWN: None.

RATING

5 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. The subject of this story is the Millennium Development Goal of developing global partnerships.

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Read an excerpt here: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Pages_from_Aliyyah_2011.2.pdf?3813
  2. Jigsaw puzzle here: http://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2ac0249767c7
  3. Learn more about the 7th Millennium Development Goal here: https://www.unicef.org/mdg/files/childfriendlymdgs_edited.pdf

CHALLENGE: Aliyyah Learns a New Dance

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Draw a girl in a Fulani outfit (4 – 6 year olds)
  1. List the Millennium Development Goals? (7 – 8 year olds)

OR

  1. Name the traditional clothing worn by women in the following countries
    1. India
    2. Japan
    3. China
    4. Scotland

Find them in the crossword puzzle below (7 – 8 year olds)

Z D C Y H N M K D G J B X
V G C H E O N G S A M N O
K S A R I D R E S I S A E
H J O H T D W E O M H I N
I F T H S O L A R O E I T
O F S J A V S K T N S U S
O C N K I L T E E O C N A
L X S B A N G L S A K L F

 

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 4 – 8 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Thursday, February 9th 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

THE RED TRANSISTOR RADIO by Fatima Akilu

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photo credit: cassavarepublic.biz

 

Preye and the Sea of Plastic

AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Title: Preye and the Sea of Plastic

Author: Fatima Akilu

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 32

Type of Book: Fiction; Educational

Age: 4 – 8

Buy it here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/products/preye-and-the-sea-of-plastic

Price: N1200

MY SUMMARY

Preye is plagued by the plastic bags strewn all over his neighbourhood; on the playground, in the farms and markets, on the roads, everywhere. One day, he decides to take matters into his own hands and he starts an action group made up of kids! This group storms the District Head’s Office and then the local TV station to get adults to help their cause. Eventually, they make a film/documentary about the harmful effects of the use of plastic bags on the environment. This film makes the kids popular and soon enough, they are giving speeches in different towns and having meetings with the president! Better still, they convince market sellers to use paper bags and raffia baskets in place of plastic bags! Read the book to find out what Preye (maybe) plans to do next!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: It shows kids that they can make a difference in the world, irrespective of their age. It shows also the advantages of team work (the kids in the action group had to split into 3 groups of 5 to conduct research, film and conduct interviews for their film (documentary)). Most importantly, it shows young readers the importance of keeping our environment safe and clean for man and animals and that they are just as responsible for it as the adults are!

DOWN: None. Well, I wish it showed kids simple practical ways to keep the environment clean e.g. by putting rubbish in bins instead of dumping them on the road, turning some to compost, etc. For kid friendly tips on saving the environment, read our next book of the week, “Help Your Parents Save the Planet”. Subscribe now and get it in your mail!

RATING

4 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. The subject of this story is the Millennium Development Goal of Ensuring Environmental Sustainability.

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  1. Read an excerpt here: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Excerpt_for_website_Pages_from_Preye_2011.pdf?3621
  2. Learn more about the Millennium Development Goals here: https://www.unicef.org/mdg/files/childfriendlymdgs_edited.pdf

 

CHALLENGE: Preye and the Sea of Plastic

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

Read the story above and answer the questions below:

  1. List 3 simple things you can do to keep your environment clean (4 – 6 year olds)
  1. List the Millennium Development Goals? (7 – 8 year olds)

OR

  1. Do something to help your community and write a 100-word essay about it (7 – 8 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 4 – 8 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Friday, February 3rd 2017.

Next Book of the Week:

AALIYAH LEARNS A NEW DANCE by Fatima Akilu

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photo credit: cassavarepublic.biz

 

News/Events January 23rd Week

ARTICLES, NEWS/EVENTS, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

OUR TOP TEN NIGERIAN BOOKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN

*in no particular order

  1. LEARNINGTON BOOKSTORE  (Just For Kids)

ADDRESS: None

CONTACT PHONE NO: 08025018312

EMAIL: orders@learnington-ng.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://www.learnington-ng.com

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Very easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: Their books are absolutely scrumptious. We love them because their site is so blissfully easy to use. It’s almost as good as walking around in a bookshop.

  1. READING CORNER NIGERIA (Just For Kids)

ADDRESS: 11 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

CONTACT PHONE NO: 0812 406 8181; 2348140000041

EMAIL: info@ReadingCorner.ng

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://readingcorner.ng/

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Very easy

BOOK CLUB: Yes

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: We love this store to pieces!!!!!!!! Unlike most children’s bookshops in Nigeria, they have quite an extensive booklist for babies and toddlers, basically kids age 0 – 4 (including international bestsellers) and we love them for it. 

  1. CHELISBOOKAZINE  (Just For Kids)

ADDRESS: Plot 12 Johnson Street, Off Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: 01-7742241, 08152854860, 08152854846, 08037128290, 08033324289, 09030096733 (helpline)

EMAIL: customercare@chelisbookazine.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://chelisbookazine.com

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Relatively easy

BOOK CLUB: Yes

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: For the longest time, this was our favourite bookshop in Nigeria. They are a favourite with many schools in Nigeria too! They have tons of books, (fiction and non-fiction) for kids 0 – 12 especially those in the 0 – 8 age group and lots of classics too. The highlight of this store: Their prices are quite pocket-friendly!! (Caveat: They’re currently updating their site. Prices may change from February 2017)

  1. LATERNA BOOKS

ADDRESS: 13, Oko-Awo Close, Off. Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: 08100234441 (online store only); 08033014462,012715376

EMAIL: info@laternabooks.com; sales@laternabooks.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: https://www.laternabooks.com/index3.php?c=5

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Relatively easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: This is a great bookstore. It has quite a good list but do you know what we absolutely love about it? Their events! They have lots of ‘reading’ events for kids! Go to Laterna to meet your favourite Nigerian authors! 

  1. BIBLE WONDERLAND

ADDRESS: 33 Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere Lagos; OANDO Filling Station, 4th Roundabout, Lekki, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: Surulere: 08105682169, 08105682185; Lekki: 08105682183

EMAIL: biblewonderlandng@gmail.com; bookcityng@gmail.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://biblewonderlandng.com/store/index.php?route=common/home

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Not so easy. (Best to go to the Lekki and Surulere Stores)

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: Our go-to store for great Christian books for kids! They have a wide range of non-fiction books on history and geography!!

  1. TERRAKULTURE

 ADDRESS: Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos

CONTACT PHONE NO: +234-1-2700-588

EMAIL: info@terrakulture.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: Work-in-progress

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Not Applicable

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: This is hands-down our best store for extraordinary books for children, ‘Made in Nigeria’

  1. FARAFINA

ADDRESS: 253 Herbert Macaulay Way, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos.

CONTACT PHONE NO: 08077364217

EMAIL: info@kachifo.com

WEBSITE: https://www.konga.com/kachifo-farafina or https://www.mobiashara.com/farafina

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: Farafina is an imprint of the Kachifo publishing house so you will be able to buy only books published by Kachifo. Their titles for kids (under the Farafina Tuuti Imprint) are GREAT!! Another huge plus: over the phone orders are pretty easy and straightforward

  1. KONGA

ADDRESS: None

CONTACT PHONE NO: 01 460 5555; 0809 460 5555

EMAIL: help@konga.com

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://www.konga.com/childrens-books

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Relatively easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Yes

OUR REVIEW: They have quite a few titles for kids. We absolutely love them for the old Nigerian classics. 

  1. THE HUB

ADDRESS: 1st Floor, The Palm Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos, Lagos

CONTACT PHONE NO: 01 813 1268

EMAIL: Not available

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: Not available

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Not applicable

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: They have quite a number of books for kids. We absolutely love them for their quirky list. Pick up the most random books from here, books you’ll likely not find in other bookshops. 

  1. CASSAVA REPUBLIC

 ADDRESS: Shop 62, Abuja Arts and Crafts Village, Opposite Sheraton Hotel, Central Business District Abuja

CONTACT PHONE NO: 081-85802634

EMAIL: info@cassavarepublic.biz

ONLINE BOOKSTORE: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/collections/childrens-books

EASE OF NAVIGATION: Easy

BOOK CLUB: No

BOOK RELATED EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: No

OUR REVIEW: A great store for home-grown books! They also double as a publishing house so they sell only their titles.

Do you know any bookshops that should make this list? Email us at ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

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photo credit: twickermum.com

A Fun ABC

AGES 0 - 4, AGES 4 - 8, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Title: A FUN ABC

Author: Sade Fadipe

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press

Number of pages: 32

Type of Book: Fiction; Rhyme

Age: 0 – 4; 4 -5

Available here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/products/a-fun-abc; https://www.amazon.com/Fun-ABC-Sade-Fadipe/dp/1911115154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480565078&sr=8-1&keywords=a+fun+abc+sade+fadipe

Price: N1,000; $4:93

MY SUMMARY

This book tells the story of a little girl Adanah who visits her grandfather in the village while on break from school. Adanah drives through the country side with her dad, buying fruits and taking pictures of the sights: drummers, dancers, cattle and cattle rearers. At her granddad’s she fetches water at the pump, plays in the rain, makes crowns out of hay and listens to stories by Auntie Sumbo. This ABC book is one with a difference. Written for the Nigerian child or the child who wishes to learn about Nigeria, it uses a great story, vibrant illustrations, rhyme and visual puzzles to introduce the letters of the alphabet. This is the best ABC book – African and otherwise – I’ve read ever and I’ve read my fair share of ABC books and reviewed a few too. See here and here.  Read the book to learn about the alphabets as well as Adanah’s holiday adventure.

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: This ABC book has so many highlights.

  • It reinforces letter identification by showing lots of objects starting with the same letter on each page. For example, the first page, introducing the letter ‘A’ has Aero plane, Apple, Avocado, a map of Africa.
  • It uses familiar objects which are seen and/or used by little Nigerian children every day!
  • Adanah also takes part in activities which the average Nigerian children is familiar with such as sweeping, fetching water, playing in the rain, sleeping under a mosquito net, and listening to stories told by an older aunt or uncle or grandparent.
  • It uses a story – and a good one too- to teach the alphabets. It’s not just another ABC book filled with disconnected words and objects.
  • Shedrach Ayalomeh’s illustrations brought the words in the book to life. They are vibrant, spread generously across the book and children will find them delightful. Adults will love them too. They reminded me so much of my childhood.
  • Another highlight was the use of rhyme.

I love love love this book and I recommend for Nigerian babies, toddlers and little kids as well as lovers of Nigeria.

DOWN: None.

RATING

5 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. Sade Fadipe is a primary school teacher! It’s little wonder the book is such a treat!!

HAVE FUN WITH THIS BOOK

  • Try to find all the objects starting with the same letter. Letter B has over 10 objects: Basket, Bucket, Broom, Ball, Bed, Balloon, Blanket, Bear, Bracelets, Bulb, Blocks, Books!

CHALLENGE: A FUN ABC

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. How many objects starting with the letter ‘H’ are featured on page 8 of the book. (2 -3 year olds)
  2. Identify and name three objects starting with the letter ‘H’, featured on page 8 of the book. (4 – 5 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 2 – 5 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Thursday, December 7th 2016.

Next Book of the Week:

HANSEL AND GRETEL by The Brothers Grimm

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NEWS/EVENT THIS WEEK May 22-26th

NEWS/EVENTS, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dear Pint-sized Bookworms (and their mummies, daddies, aunties, uncles and teachers),

It’s a new week and boy, do I have news for you!

  1. PBW Reading Club

Our first reading club event will take place on Children’s Day, May 27th 2016 and we’re raring to go! The new Pint-sized Bookworms will be reading three books: HANDA’S HEN by Eileen Browne (read review here); AFRO: THE GIRL WITH THE MAGICAL HAIR by Okechulwu Ofili (read review here) and HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN COUNTRY by Valerie Wyatt (read review here) and two stories with lots of activities like word games, puzzles, and an arts and craft session. We will also have one author book reading by newbie author Nnenna Ochiche. She will read her new book, ADAEZE, THE TRUE PRINCESS (read review here).

 

  1. Connect Nigeria’s Writer’s Conference

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The annual conference for writers, ‘The Business of Writing’ organized by ConnectNigeria held two days ago at the Sleek Center, in Victoria Island, Lagos. It featured speakers like Okechuchukwu Ofili of Afro: The Girl with the Magical Hair, Eghosa Imasuen of Fine Boys, Efe Paul Azino, poet par excellence, Adebola Rayo of Artyliving and Director and screenwriter Ike Nnaebue. Yours truly attended with the latest Pint-sized Bookworm. More information on the conference can be found here.

  1. Movies  

a. Through the Looking Glass

The movie, Through the Looking Glass, sequel to Alice in Wonderland, will premier in the US on May 27th! Yes! Children’s Day! Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, it features actors like Anna Hathaway (Princess Diaries), Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. The movies are based on the books of the same title by Lewis Carroll. Be sure to read the two books before going to see the movie!

b. The BFG Movie

Fans of Roald Dahl and the BFG (read review here) will be glad to know that the BFG is about to hit the big screen. Premiering this July in the US, this sure to be blockbuster was directed by Stephen Spielberg and produced by Dreamworks!!! Can you imagine?! Definitely a feast for the senses!

You can find last week’s news here

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Happy Reading !!

How to Build Your Own Country

AGES 8 - 12, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Title: How to Build Your Own Country

Author: Valerie Wyatt

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press/Kids Can Press

Number of pages: 40

Type of Book: Contemporary, Fiction

Age: 8+

Available here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/products/how-to-build-your-own-country; http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Your-Country-CitizenKid/dp/1554533104

Price: N800; $13.85

MY SUMMARY

Imagine having your own country! Better still, imagine having your own country and having it named after yourself! The Federal Republic of Ugochinyelu J Impossible right? Think again!!

Valerie Wyatt says building your own country is easy-peasy, as easy as 1 -2 – 3! All you have to do: 1. Stake your identity by creating your country’s flag, money and national anthem; 2. Run your country by holding elections, forming governments and making laws, etc., and 3. meet your neighbours and join organizations.

But is it really that easy? How will you find a population for your country, hold elections, make laws, create your own money and national anthem, write a constitution, etc.?

Read the book to find out!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: Humour. This is edutainment at its best. It is truly an excellent ‘How To’ guide for building a country especially for kids. It is packed with information on how to make laws, write a constitution, create passports, money, flags, etc. It also has a template for creating a national anthem. It is also filled with fun facts such as funny laws made in the world, the largest, smallest, poorest and richest countries in the world, etc.  A valuable reference tool for teachers and parents on the subject of civic education.

Replete with fun filled projects, it is the perfect book to keep your kids (boys and girls alike) busy for an entire weekend at the very least.

The illustrations are fantastic! They add to the general quirkiness of the book.

DOWN:  None. Warning! There is an image of a decapitated head of state.

RATING

5 Stars 

TRIVIA

  1. How old was the youngest person who started a micronation? 5 years old! Eric Lis started a micronation called the Aerican Empire in 1987. It boasts over 400 citizens!
  2. In 2006, Duncan MacDonald cast his vote in an election. The problem? Duncan is a dog!
  3. A funny law made in Thailand: It is illegal to leave your house if you’re not wearing underwear!
  4. How to name your country after yourself? Chop off he last bit of your name (first or last) and add ‘a’ or ‘ia’ OR tack on ‘land’ or ‘stan’.
  5. How to create your own national anthem? Use words like “glory, freedom, victory, honour” and pick a catchy tune like ‘Old MacDonald’s Has a Farm’ or ‘Walking on Sunshine’

Read an excerpt here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Excerpts_for_website_Pages_from_HowToBuildYourOwnCountry_2029_Text_17022013_5_10.pdf?3662

Watch the book trailer here:

CHALLENGE: How to Build Your Own Country

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Write short 75-word paragraphs on the following forms of government. Plus: countries that have these forms of government. a. Oligarchy b. Democracy c. Theocracy d. Autocracy e. Single Party

OR

  1. Build your own country.

Create samples of your Passport, Money, Flag and National Anthem (plus tune)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 8-12 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Sunday, March 6th 2016.

Next Book of the Week: 

ADAEZE THE TRUE PRINCESS by Nnenna Ochiche