ESSEX SCHOOLGIRL Keona Maduforo has combined her love of storytelling and illustration to co-write a book with her mother about her first-hand experience of a Nigerian wedding.

The book, called Uncle Gugi’s Wedding, is aimed at giving people an insight into a key part of African culture. 

Keona decided to write the book after she noticed a huge lack of stories about African culture in the books that at her school and local library.

Culture

She said: “It was my uncle’s wedding in Nigeria, and he’s very special to us all. I thought it would be good to share this special moment with other children around my age so they can learn a bit more about African culture.”

On her illustrations Keona said: “Doing the illustrations gave me a chance to practise drawing which is something I enjoy. I have continued to practise, and have grown in confidence and ability.

She continues: “My drawings are even much better now (everyone keeps telling me), and I’ve started doing commissions where people pay me to draw their portraits.”

Readers join an excited Keona as she prepares for a trip of a lifetime to discover the wonders of her African homeland. 

Heritage

Along the way she  learns about her cultural heritage, Igbo customs and language.

Finally she shares in the joy, celebration and complexities of a traditional Nigerian wedding and pick up a few Igbo words along the way. 

Mother and co-author Uju Maduforo said: “I’d always been very passionate about the importance of passing on our culture and language to our children as well as sharing with others as a way of increasing diversity. It was wonderful seeing my culture through her eyes and bringing it to life in this book.”

 The book has already received several positive reviews on Amazon. 

Learning

Florence a recent purchaser said: “I give the book 5 stars because it helps both children and adults the opportunity to participate in a West African wedding and to gain knowledge and understanding of what they’re like. KC narrates the story brilliantly, expressing the right emotions and feelings in each situation. This makes the book an engaging read.”

Uju said: “Educators and parents alike have told me how their children enjoyed learning either about their own or a new cultures. It’s a quick and appealing read, and one that supports the view that culture and representation matters.”