Books with author Onyefulu

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?