OLUBUNMI ABODERIN TALABI

How did you become a children’s author? Was it something that you always wanted to do ?

I have been a writer in one form or another for as long as I can remember. However, I decided to start writing children’s books when I realized that we simply don’t have enough readily available picture books specifically for Nigerian children. Many of the picture books in our environment are from or based on, a different culture. Reading is good for the cognitive development of children but continually reading books featuring other cultures may unintentionally cause them to feel as if those cultures are of more value than ours.

Over the last four years, there has been a noticeable increase in the quality and quantity of children’s books. Before that, there were simply not enough custom-made picture books readily available for children in Nigeria or children of colour across the world generally. It is good to see that that gap is gradually being filled.

In a country of over 200 million people, when you visit a bookstore you will find that there are not nearly enough early childhood books that depict people who look like us, or live in our environment or appreciate the things we appreciate. If the alphabet charts in our region were true to form we would be seeing A is for Amala rather than A is for Apple. Both are true but, one is more culturally intelligent. I am very interested in our children understanding our values and ideals as Nigerians from the moment they can start to read. This helps build up their selfesteem and understand that there is also worth and great value in the culture to which they were born.

Furthermore, reading the alarming contents of a particularly popular children’s book by a very prolific European author was another defining moment for me. I realised that we can’t let people from other cultures be the sole influence in shaping the worldview of a child growing up in Nigeria. We also have to portray ourselves in this category of books. These things, in part, formed my decision to start writing for children.

I guess writing for children is a lot different from writing for adults. How do you know what a child looks out for when reading a book?

Take children to a bookstore and see the books to which they gravitate without being prompted: bright, colourful books with lots of illustration and minimal text.

Young or old, readers of fiction want the same thing: a wellwritten, entertaining story with which they can relate. As simple as they may seem, children’s books, just like books for adults, need a clear conceptualised setting; interesting characters; engaging dialogue; a cohesive plot; a distinct voice and good editing. Even baby books (those near-indestructible board books with no words or few words) also need well-thought-out settings and relatable characters. Above all, for children’s books you need dynamic

Nigeria has been rated by the World Culture Score Index as one of the countries in the world with the lowest reading culture. At the same time, available statistics from National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education shows that 38 per cent of Nigerians are non-literate as four in ten primary school children cannot read for comprehension. This right here is precisely what Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi is trying to change with Clever Clogs Books, a publishing house focused on creating visually engaging, culturally relevant books for children and the Akada Children Book Festival.

In this interview with KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, she gets a glimpse of why she’s so passionate about developing a reading culture as she takes us through the writing process for children and the highlights of her career. illustrations that help move the story along; retain the attention of a young reader and give the story depth. Children want to be entertained even while they are learning. They want books with lots of colourful illustrations; concise words that go directly to the point; topics relevant to something they are going through; or themes that resonate.

What is the process of writing for children? How does it go from an idea to a finished work?

Each writer has a process that is unique to them and at times a writer can employ different processes depending on the project being worked on. For me, the way I wrote Kob the Antelope or

Why Do You Wash Your Hands? is different to the way I wrote any of the books in the Tobi Series (Diary of a Toddler; Tobi Visits The Conservatory; Tobi Bakes A Cake; Tobi Learns To Swim). For the former books, I got an idea then sat down to write it out from start to finish. For the latter group of books, it was different. I had the idea but I had to do a lot of research even though those books are based on day-to-day experiences. Each of those books took much longer to write. Sometimes I will finish with a manuscript and let it sit for months just to give myself more time to think it through and decide if I want to change, subtract or add anything. Once the manuscript part is ready then an author has to decide if she wants to find a publisher to take the book to market or self-publish. If you are going the traditional publishing route, then the publisher will take care of commissioning the illustrator. If however, you are self-publishing you’ll need to pick your illustrator carefully; take the time to talk through the project in great detail with the illustrator; have a written agreement between you and the illustrator; then be available to answer any questions the illustrator may have about what you have written or what you are trying to achieve with your book. After this, the hunt for the perfect printer begins.

Where do you find your inspiration for new stories and characters?

My books are primarily “here and now realism” books, in other words, I write about everyday occurrences and distil them into components that a child can understand. I draw inspiration from things that adults may view as mundane but children view as exciting. For example, a family having lunch together or learning to swim and so on.

I also draw inspiration from special occasions (like weddings or birthdays); public events; or outings to places like the market; conservation centres; museums; galleries and so on.

Do you think children these days read enough? And why do you think it’s important for them to develop good reading habits so early in life?

Children tend to read as much as their parents read. If the adults in the household like reading the children in that household are more likely to be afforded the opportunity to read. One of the most popular features of the very first Akada Children’s Book Festival was the popup library. It was the focal point of the day and the children loved it. For me, that was an indication that children love to read, they want to read. They just need better access to age-appropriate books and an environment that is conducive to reading. The popup library was occupied from the time the festival started till the time it ended. I remember one child described the event as “book heaven”.

When guardians ask me how they can encourage their children to read, I tell them, start reading in front of them. If they start seeing you read, there is a greater chance they are likely to want to read too. Adults should read any place it is safe to do so and encourage their children to do the same. Take them to libraries; book readings or literary festivals like Akada. Idle moments (ie during a bus ride) should be converted into reading time. Set up a reward system for your children whenever they read books. For younger kids, simple prizes such as stickers are highly appreciated. After school hours, encourage them to read for fun. Within reason, let them choose a book that interests them. Ask them questions about the storyline of their book, to ensure that they comprehend what they have read and to improve their critical reasoning skills.

It’s important for children to develop good reading habits early in life not just because habits we form early tend to stay with us and act as a foundation for future learning but also because healthy reading habits will help to improve their vocabulary; grammar; communication skills; as well as broaden their sense of empathy; understanding; creativity; and inspire innovation.

Tell me about Clever Clogs Books. Why is the focus based on culturally relevant content?

Clever Clogs Books feature day-to-day life in present-day Nigeria from the perspective of young ones under 9. The passion, the detail, the purpose behind these books, make them unique. The books are woven with several learning undertones to help readers gain nuanced knowledge and soft skills that may not necessarily be taught in the classroom.

For example, in the Diary of a Toddler, the book introduces valuable life concepts to the child, such as the importance of getting enough rest, the need for good personal hygiene, the role of prayer, when to brush your teeth and have your bath, as well as the deliciousness of home-cooked Nigerian food. It shows that there is a time for everything and it helps them to tell time. Reading such a book will encourage a non-sedentary lifestyle, as it depicts an active protagonist.

What do you love most about writing for children?

What I love most about writing for children is their enthusiasm about my books and their reaction when a new book comes out. Their pure delight in the books, their love of the characters, their requests for more books to read is my biggest inspiration and reward.

Why did you see the need to start Akada Children’s Book