On August 30, 2024, Nigerian children’s book author, illustrator, and publisher Vivian Uwakwe hosted an engaging book reading at Alliance Française de Port Harcourt for her second children’s book, How the Lizard Lost Its Hair (Told Like An African Folktale), captivating the hearts of over 100 primary school pupils.
The event was a vibrant and interactive experience, as the children eagerly joined Uwakwe in reading through the colorful, beautifully illustrated pages of her book. Her ability to connect with the young audience and inspire them with the possibility of becoming future authors was a standout moment during the session.
After the reading, parents, teachers, and guardians participated in a lively Q&A session. Their questions spanned a desire to stay updated on Uwakwe’s future works to discussions on fostering a deeper love of reading in their children and encouraging them to craft their own stories.
The session was expertly moderated by Dr. Lynn Ujiagbe of Learnzone Foundation and David Chukwueke of The Nigerian Literary Society, both well-known literary advocates in Port Harcourt. Together with Uwakwe, they provided insightful answers and valuable guidance to the audience’s inquiries.
The children were especially delighted when they uncovered the mystery of how the lizard lost its hair, a moment that brought the story to an enchanting conclusion. The event left a lasting impression on the young readers, nurturing their love for reading and storytelling rooted in African tradition.
Vivian Uwakwe is an author and illustrator deeply committed to preserving and celebrating her African heritage. In 2022, she was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the Self Publishing Made Simple (SPMS) workshop, led by esteemed American children’s book authors April Cox and Bobbie Hinman. Since then, Uwakwe has embarked on a mission to document the many stories her father, a talented storyteller, shared with her during her childhood. She proudly considers herself a modern-day African griot.
Her debut book, How The Tortoise Broke Its Shell (An African Folktale), was released in October 2023 and achieved the number one spot in the Children’s African Folk Tales & Myths category on Amazon. How The Lizard Lost Its Hair marks her second release and is an original story told in the traditional African folktale style. Uwakwe believes this timeless storytelling structure is one of the most effective ways to engage and captivate young readers.
Looking ahead, her next book, Why The Spider Lives In A Web (An African Folktale), is scheduled for release in early 2025, with her growing children’s book club eagerly awaiting the launch.
In addition, Uwakwe’s entire collection of books has been accepted for stocking at Roving Heights Bookstore and will soon be available at their Abuja and Lagos branches. She keeps her audience updated via her website VivianUwakwe.com as well as her social media platforms particulsrly her YouTube channel @VivianUwakweStudio.
