Sierra Leonean Heritage Celebrated in New Children's Book

Vanessa Fisher, a 34-year-old author, has published a children's book titled 'I Love Sierra Leone', aimed at preserving her cultural heritage and sharing Sierra Leone's history and identity with young readers. Born and raised in London to Sierra Leonean parents, Fisher grew up speaking Krio and fondly remembers her childhood visits to Sierra Leone. Her connection to the country is deeply rooted, with her first visit at six months old and consistent returns since.

The book 'I Love Sierra Leone' follows twins Ballu and Abu, who learn about their heritage through stories shared by their family. Illustrated by Sierra Leonean artist Luseni Kallon, the bilingual book introduces themes such as colonialism and unity in an accessible format for children. Fisher's background in performing arts and the influence of the Black Lives Matter movement during the pandemic inspired her to write the book as a way to keep her heritage alive.

Fisher describes 'I Love Sierra Leone' as a starting point for discussing these topics with children, particularly those in the diaspora who may be disconnected from their cultural roots. The book aims to foster dialogue and awareness about Sierra Leone among a broader audience. After a lengthy process of collaboration and research, Fisher finally published her book in 2026.

The response from the Sierra Leonean community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their excitement to share it with their children. Fisher hopes that her book will help bridge the gap between generations and ensure the preservation of Sierra Leonean culture for future readers.

Fisher's passion for Sierra Leonean culture and heritage is evident throughout the book. Her goal is to make the country's history and identity more accessible to young readers, both in Sierra Leone and abroad. The book's availability on Amazon in the UK, Canada, and the US has made it easily accessible to a wide audience.

The book's themes of colonialism and unity are introduced in a way that is relatable and easy to understand for children. Fisher's use of a bilingual format also helps to promote language preservation and cultural awareness. The illustrations by Luseni Kallon add a unique and authentic touch to the book.

Fisher aims to continue writing and publishing books that celebrate Sierra Leonean culture and heritage. With 'I Love Sierra Leone', she has taken the first step towards achieving her goal of preserving cultural heritage and promoting awareness about Sierra Leone among a broader audience. The book's positive reception is a testament to the impact it can have on future generations.

Key points

• The book 'I Love Sierra Leone' is a bilingual children's book that aims to preserve Sierra Leonean cultural heritage and introduce young readers to the country's history and identity.