Author and visual artist, Kanyinsola Balogun-Kuku, said her new children’s book ‘The Boy Who Grew Backwards’ was inspired by his two little sons.
Balogun-Kuku made this known during the official launching and unveiling of the book on Sunday in Ibadan.
She admitted that she is not a children’s book writer, but that the motivation to write the book – which she finished in three days − came as a result of the frustration occasioned by writer’s block she experienced last year while writing a novel.
‘The Boy Who Grew Backwards’ tells the story of Jimi who makes a wish to be a baby again, longing for the carefree days of his younger brother. But little does he know that his wish will come true in the form of an enchanted forest.
The founder of Purplebloom Publishers, who published the book, Adejoke Oyekan, emphasised the significance of a healthy parent-child relationship and the imperative of being conscious of parenting choices and styles.
Oyekan noted that one of the best ways to embark on, understand and appreciate the journey of parenthood is by reading ‘The Boy Who Grew Backwards’.
“I can personally vouch for this book as a must-have in every home,” she said. “Through the pages of this book, we will discover how gratitude can instil a sense of appreciation for life’s blessings and foster a positive outlook on children and the home.”
There was a panel session anchored by Tomiwa Akinde. The panelists were: the founder of Mentoring Assistance for Youths and Entrepreneurs Initiative (MAYEIN), Edem Ossai; author and broadcaster, Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa; and the founder of The Nest Montessori, Oyindamola Ige.
The panel, while discussing the topic ‘Children-accepting roles and managing sibling rivalry’, dealt with questions bothering on the appropriate age parents should start introducing the concept of responsibility to their children, how to create/manage the problems that age gap creates among siblings, how to raise children without comparing one with another, and how to address the challenges caused by the separation/divorce of parents.
Some of the personalities that launched the book were Mr and Mrs Abimbola Davis, Mr and Mrs Balogun Kuku, Mr Demola Balogun Kuku, Mr Olaoye Ogundele, among others.
During the launch, the publisher of the book, Oyekan, stated that the book is available in leading bookstores and enjoined every parent and school to get copies for their children.
Dr Ibijoke Fasola, the proprietor of Jericho Montessori School, lamented that Nigerians are used to reading foreign books instead of reading those written by Nigerians. She stressed the need for Nigerian writers to start writing children’s books that address real Nigerian problems.
“It is important we start writing good books,” Fasola said. “We are doing a lot of things in a wrong manner in this country, and it is time we start doing them right.”
Spoken-word artist and poet, Esther Mbabie, performed a piece around the theme of the book. Her piece dealt with the way children are raised and how it impact/affect the home and society.
Also read:
NNPCL to increase investments in gas development, transportation projects
and then