In a significant development for African children's literature, Nigerian author Esosa Mokwunye has released Chizam's Colourful Journey, a beautifully crafted story that addresses themes of identity, migration, and self-esteem for young readers. Published on 26 November 2025, this timely book arrives when global conversations about cultural identity and childhood development are more important than ever.
A Story of Transition and Discovery
The heart of the narrative follows six-year-old Chizam, a spirited Nigerian girl who relocates from her home country to Sydney, Australia. The transition proves challenging as she encounters a completely different environment. Suddenly, she finds herself surrounded by classmates with unfamiliar hair textures and skin tones ranging from what she describes as milk to sun-kissed clay.
Mokwunye masterfully portrays how children experience cultural differences through simple, relatable observations rather than complex theories. The story unfolds through Chizam's innocent curiosity and honest questions about her new surroundings, making the themes accessible to young minds.
The Power of Parental Guidance and Cultural Pride
The emotional core of the book lies in the conversations between Chizam and her parents. These interactions are both gentle and profound, transforming everyday moments into valuable life lessons. When her mother compares her beauty to a warm chocolate cake and her father affirms the beauty in all skin shades, the author delivers powerful messages about self-worth.
The book skillfully integrates African cultural elements that will resonate with Nigerian families worldwide. References to jollof rice, cornrows, Ankara gowns, and the presence of Nigerian teachers and aunties ground the story in familiar cultural touchpoints while balancing them with the multicultural reality of Chizam's new home.
Educational Value and Global Relevance
What makes Chizam's Colourful Journey particularly noteworthy is its ability to handle complex themes in a child-friendly manner. The book portrays color as something to celebrate rather than something divisive, and differences as opportunities for learning rather than threats.
The story joins the ranks of acclaimed children's books like Lupita Nyong'o's Sulwe and Matthew Cherry's Hair Love in promoting self-worth and cultural appreciation. It serves as both a mirror for African children navigating predominantly white spaces and a window for children of other races to develop empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
Adding practical value, the book includes an interactive activity page that encourages children to design their own birthday invitations. This creative element reinforces the book's celebratory message and provides educators and parents with engaging material to extend the learning experience.
Esosa Mokwunye's work represents a significant contribution to the growing body of African voices in children's literature. With its warm, empathetic approach and culturally rich narrative, Chizam's Colourful Journey stands as both an entertaining story and an important tool for helping children navigate the complexities of identity in our globalized world.
