Books with author Ifeoma Onyefulu

As a child, Ifeoma Onyefulu was catapulted into a strange storytelling world where spirits ruled and animals talked, a world not so much about happy endings, more about learning a lesson or two. For this sparkling and funny collection she retells nine of the best Nigerian tales. In The Girl Who Married a Ghost, stuck-up Oglisa discovers that pride goes before a fall; and in the Wrestler and the Ghost, the greatest wrestler in the world gets his come-uppance when he challenges a ghost. There are also stories featuring animals from the African jungle. Tortoise tricks the other animals so that he can win The Great Eating Competition, and hoards food for himself in The Famine - until the other animals become suspicious. Why the Lizard Nods His Head has something to say about greed - how it can get you into deep trouble, while Lazy dog and Tortoise shows that everyonee should work together, unlike Dog who would never help his friends dig a well. Ifeoma retells these magical stories for generations of city-dwelling children who have moved far, far away from the world of animals and spirits.

Seen through the eyes of a small boy named Ikenna, here is a very special account of how a small Igbo community in Nigeria traditionally honours the dead. Ifeoma Onyefulu's thoughtful photographs and text offer not only a glimpse into Africa village life, but also a positive introduction to a difficult subject. Ikenna starts to feel different as soon as he puts on his new white clothes. His grown-up relatives keep an all-night wake, dancing and singing for Mama Nkwelle. On the big day a 21 gun salute is fired to begin the celebration. In Mama Nkwelle's now empty house, her decorated bed is brought into the sitting-room, adorned with her picture. The priest says prayers, then kola nuts are offered and dancing begins to the sound of drums. Ikpuawa (gifts) of cloth are brought, and Ikenna is asked to offer a gift too! Seven days later Ikenna watches as people gather to remember Mama Nkwelle. Finally he plants his own special memorial, knowing that he will never forget her.

Omer loves to play! He likes playing in front of his house, but his sisters want to play there too. He likes playing in the garden, except when Mama asks him to water the plants. The dining room is a good place to play - until he has to put away his toys. But there is one special place that Omer likes best of all, where he can play for as long as he likes. Can you guess where it is?

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!