Vivian Uwakwe, a Nigerian children's book author, illustrator, and animator, is on a mission to bring African perspective and heritage into world-class picture books. Her journey into children's publishing began when she helped a six-year-old struggling to read using pictures and text. This experience inspired her to pursue publishing, despite her father's initial discouragement from pursuing art professionally. Uwakwe's background in Estate Management and MBA from Anglia Ruskin University did not deter her from exploring her passion for storytelling.
Uwakwe's entry into children's publishing gained momentum in 2022 when she won a $1,000 scholarship for a 12-week self-publishing program. This opportunity led to the release of her debut book, "How The Tortoise Broke Its Shell," which reached number one in Amazon's Children's African Folk Tales & Myths category. Her subsequent books, "How The Lizard Lost Its Hair" and "Why The Spider Lives In A Web," also topped children's charts in the US, UK, and Canada. These stories blend African tradition with original narratives, featuring animal characters named from Nigerian ethnic groups.
Uwakwe's publishing house, Yanga Toons Ltd, based in Port Harcourt, is dedicated to producing high-quality children's books that meet global standards. She emphasizes that locally produced children's books often compromise on paper quality, design, and editing. To address this, Uwakwe works with carefully chosen local partners to ensure that her books meet international benchmarks. Every title passes through professional editors, including an in-house editor and others based in the UK.
Uwakwe's stories begin in African heritage but are not limited by the "African folktale" label. Her books, such as "How The Tortoise Broke Its Shell" and "How The Lizard Lost Its Hair," retell familiar tales in contemporary language with strong illustrations. Future titles will move further into original contemporary stories, ensuring that the origin is African, but the quality and accessibility are universal.
Uwakwe's work has a significant impact on children's development, creativity, and sense of identity. She wants Nigerian children to know that they come from a rich heritage they can be proud of. By visiting classrooms and inspiring young readers, Uwakwe aims to empower children to write and illustrate their own stories. Some parents have even paid her to review their children's manuscripts, demonstrating the positive influence of her work.
Uwakwe's contributions to children's literature have not gone unnoticed. She is a member of SCBWI and ACAIN, and received a US$5,000 Tony Elumelu Foundation grant. She also illustrates for other authors and organizations, including a seafood jollof rice commission for Service95, Dua Lipa's magazine. Uwakwe's legacy aims to support vulnerable children through book royalties and inspire other Nigerian authors to raise their standards.
The lack of representation of African characters, names, settings, and cultural references in children's books can have a profound impact on a child's sense of identity. Uwakwe stresses that seeing oneself and one's heritage in books tells a child that they are important and their story is valuable. By creating inclusive, high-quality literature, authors and publishers can help counter the message that African culture is inadequate.
Key points
- Vivian Uwakwe advocates for high-quality children's books that meet global standards.
- Uwakwe's stories blend African heritage with universal appeal.
- Her work aims to empower children to take pride in their heritage and develop their creativity.
