Book Title: Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 6-12), 78 pages
Genre: Children's Book
Publisher: The Good Work Company
Release date: June 19, 2022
Format available for review: print (softback) (US, Canada and UK ), ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: June 12 to June 30
Content Rating: G. Children's Book.
Follow the life of young Soso as she encounters mysteries and unearths traditions that have existed long before she was born.Be part of her adventures as she gains confidence, self-esteem, and an understanding of her deep cultural heritage.
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This book is available for special purchases in bulk by organizations and institutions, not for resale, at special discounts. Please email all inquiries to The Good Work Company.
Bella Disu is a mother of two wonderful children. She is an enthusiastic lover of art as well as an avid reader. From a young age, she has been enamoured with rich cultural folktales. Now, she channels her love for art and her passion for reading into writing stories. Her stories use new forms to pass on the tales she heard growing up to the next generation.
Bella is also a renowned business leader who is committed to corporate governance and business innovation. In December 2019, she became the youngest ever recipient of the French National Honor - Chevalier dans L'ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts at promoting French culture in Nigeria.
She is married and lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family.
connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ instagram
Bella Disu explores the significance of multilingual children's books, embracing language diversity, and fostering linguistic skills in young readers. She discusses the use of multiple languages in ‘Soso and the Kako Leaf’ and the benefits of early multicultural and multilingual exposure.
Delve into how the book promotes cultural values and traditions. Explore the significance of passing down cultural heritage to younger generations and the role of children's literature in preserving and celebrating cultural identity.
'Soso and the Kako Leaf' and the Importance of Multicultural, Multilingual Children's Books
One of my core motivations for writing 'Soso and the Kako Leaf' was to help my children forge a stronger connection to their cultural roots. Ultimately, the story evolved into a vehicle for all kids to embrace their heritage and unique identity. I want to instil a deep sense of pride in our cultures, whether expressed by wearing traditional attire, learning indigenous languages, or engaging in cultural activities.
From the moment you pick up my book, you’ll notice the vibrant illustrations intentionally crafted to capture attention and reflect the richness of Nigerian culture. Depicted in vivid detail, traditional attires and accessories serve as visual reminders of our distinct cultural identity. While 'Soso and the Kako Leaf' is rooted in Nigerian culture, with a focus on my Yoruba and Efik heritage, its universal themes and messages transcend geographic boundaries. Children worldwide will relate to Soso’s story and immerse themselves in her world.
To enrich the experience, ‘Soso and the Kako Leaf’ is a multilingual book.
Growing up, many of us faced stigma while speaking our local languages. In Nigerian schools, indigenous languages were often labelled as "vernacular," leading some of us to suppress our linguistic heritage. Thankfully, times are changing, and more people now appreciate our linguistic diversity's immense value and beauty. 'Soso and the Kako Leaf' aims to contribute by encouraging children to proudly speak their languages, celebrate their cultural expressions, and wholeheartedly embrace their heritage.
In today's interconnected world, being fluent in multiple languages is a valuable asset that fosters a greater understanding of different cultures and expands access to opportunities. With scenes exploring the beauty of words and phrases from other linguistic backgrounds, ‘Soso and the Kako Leaf’ encourages language acquisition and cultural appreciation.
Like Soso’s birthmark in the story, our identity and heritage are not meant to be hidden. On the contrary, embracing them reveals hidden, untapped potential within each of us. By nurturing this, my book empowers children to become confident individuals who appreciate and contribute to the diverse tapestry of our global society.
As an author, my dedication to cultural representation and storytelling remains unwavering. I am committed to creating more books and animations celebrating our rich Nigerian heritage. Soso's world is set to grow, inviting children on a journey filled with captivating stories and diverse characters. Through these creative endeavours, my goal is to empower children to embrace their cultural identity and foster a love for their unique heritage.
My Thoughts
Soso and The Kako Leaf is written by Bella Disu. This is a story of a girl named Soso. Through Soso readers will be immersed in African Culture. We see Soso, who is self conscious about her birth mark. She does not want to wear the dress that she got for her birthday. She then finds herself in a magical land after following mounds at her brothers game. She then meets those in traditional African dress and learns that her birthmark is important.
The pictures in this book really tie the story together. The story is beautifully illustrated. I loved this story.
Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead book tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
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