Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie held a magical Christmas launch for her first ever children’s book Mama’s Sleeping Scarf in Lagos on December 29, 2023. Illustrated by Joelle Avelino, the book is a celebration of family and sentimental everyday objects.
Mama’s Sleeping Scarf is a sweet picture book story about a little girl’s love for her mother’s scarf. Chino loves the scarf that her mama ties around her hair at night. But when Mama leaves for the day, Chino takes it on endless adventures! Peeking through the silky scarf, Chino and her toy bunny can look at her family as they go through their daily routines.
The book launch was centered around the theme of “Christmas Magic with Chimamanda,” and attended by renowned figures including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
The event was a success and celebrated the power of children’s literature. According to The Guardian Nigeria, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom through reading, while Osinbajo applauded Adichie’s literary ability to inspire young minds. Attendees such as Bella Disu, Hakeem Belo-Osagie, and Munachi Mbonu also shared insights on the impact of reading and literature.
Adichie’s caption highlights the joyful and fun-filled nature of the event: What a joyful day, the Lagos launch of ‘Mama’s Sleeping Scarf.’ May we all read more in 2024!”
Check out photos and video from the launch below:
Adichie is an award-winning Nigerian writer who has penned numerous novels, short stories, and nonfiction. She was awarded Harvard University’s W. E. B. Du Bois Medal in 2022, a MacArthur Genius Grant in 2008, and the PEN Pinter Prize in 2018, along with winning multiple awards for her individual novels. Adichie’s prolific list of works includes Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), Americanah (2013), The Thing Around Your Neck (2009), We Should All Be Feminists (2014), Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions (2017), Zikora (2020), and Notes on Grief (2021). She also has 16 honorary doctorate degrees from some of the best universities in the world.
Congrats to Adichie on the launch!