Books with author Ifeoma Onyefulu

Chineze thinks her little brother Ife’s hair is messy, so it’s time for Ife to have his first haircut. Uncle Mike very carefully cuts Ife’s hair with his scissors and a comb, and afterwards there’s a party for Chineze and her family to celebrate Ife’s very first haircut. Set in Nigeria, this gentle and reassuring First Experiences story strikes a chord with young children everywhere.

First Experiences is an exciting series portraying young children's very first experience of nursery school, time with grandparents and other events. The first time for anything can be daunting, and these books set out to familiarise children, through simple read-aloud words and beautiful photos, with what seems at first unfamiliar but will eventually become a routine part of everyday life. Deron and his mum get ready for his first day at a Ghanaian nursery school. When they arrive, he meets his teacher and the other children, does a bit of writing, sings and dances, has lunch and a little rest - and when he gets home, he can't wait to go back again and play with his new friends.

In Grandma Comes to Stay, three-year-old Stephanie helps her mother tidy up, go shopping at the market, and cook in preparation for Grandma's stay. When she arrives, Grandma gives Stephanie a box of pencils and reads her favorite book. The next day she shows Stephanie how to tie a head-dress, and Stephanie shows Grandma how to kick a ball, play with dolls, and bang a drum. At bedtime Grandma tells her a wonderful story, and when Grandma leaves the next morning Stephanie says, "Come back soon, Grandma!" Written and photographed by an award-winning author, this is a uniquely heartwarming book to share with all young children.

Vicky doesn’t want to eat or play with her friends. She’s not feeling well, so Mama takes her to see the doctor. The kind doctor takes her temperature and listens to her chest, and gives Mama good advice. Soon Vicky is better again, and playing with her friends. Set in Nigeria, this gentle and reassuring First Experiences story will strike a chord with young children everywhere.

A little Nigerian girl describes her village, and the way it is divided into ogbo, or age groups. Each ogbo is assigned to a different task, from that of her brother which helps sweep clean the village ilo, to her grandfather's, which spreads words of wisdom to the villagers. Ifeoma Onyefulu's beautiful photographs once again capture the age-old customs of Nigerian village life.

Amarlai has a new cousin - and he can't wait for her to be given a name. On the great day, the guests arrive, prayers are said, the corn wine is blessed and a tiny drop of wine is put on the baby's tongue as she is named. Gifts are offered, and the feasting and dancing begins. Everyone is happy, but Amarlai is happiest of all: at last his cousin has a name. Her name is Dede!

Ikenna is looking forward to lots of sun when he goes to Nigeria - even though he and his mum are going during the rainy season. In Lagos, he plays with his cousins before driving to Onitsha to see other relatives. Then the rain starts! But there is still lots to do including meeting Great-Uncle Hillary, who drove the royal train across Nigeria in 1956, and going with his mum to the Osun Festival at Osogbo, where he is surrounded by the sights and sounds of age-old ceremonies and traditions. Ikenna feels sad leaving his big family behind, but he's determined to visit Nigeria again.