Our World: Nigeria

We follow a young girl as she shows us her morning routine, walk to school, football at playtime and other daily tasks in her bustling community in Nigeria. The illustrations, in vibrant colours, beautifully evoke and celebrate the everyday details from nature and animals to food and fabrics. We see several generations, different modes of transport, types of attire and typical foods as we journey with her through the day. 

Readers are reminded that in Nigeria people speak several languages and are shown words in Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa with pronunciation guides throughout. We see the busy market where food is central and celebrated – tangy porridge made from corn, tasty fish stews and akàrà made from brown honey beans or black-eyed beans.

There is a warmth in the text and illustrations, inviting readers to share more about Nigeria and leaving lots of scope for further discussion and talking points to explore. The text is written from the child’s point of view, and the tone is familiar, welcoming us to celebrate her world with its noises, smells, shared games and languages as well as the warmth of her family and neighbourhood.  

The end notes offer more information to accompany this nicely pitched book, giving young readers an engaging glimpse into life in Nigeria.