In a heartwarming contribution to African literature, celebrated author and literacy advocate Foluke Sijuwola Falayi has released a new children's book titled 'Ugo And Ify At Christmas.' The book, launched in December 2025, aims to provide a festive narrative that resonates deeply with the experiences of children across the continent, moving away from foreign depictions of the holiday.
Inspired by a Truly African Christmas
In an interview with David Emokpae, Falayi revealed the personal inspiration behind her latest work. She observed that many children in Africa only read foreign Christmas stories featuring snow and winter traditions—elements completely alien to their own experiences. This gap in relatable content motivated her to write a story rooted in the familiar sights, sounds, and emotions of an African Christmas.
"I was inspired to write a Christmas story where there's harmattan, visiting Santa Claus or 'Father Christmas', and acting out The Birth of Jesus," Falayi explained. She described a season filled with love, joy, family visits, and travel. Her narrative includes scenes where all children, regardless of their background, enjoy jollof rice and chicken, and eagerly anticipate new shoes and clothes—a stark and relatable contrast to tales of snow.
Core Themes of Obedience, Love, and Restoration
The book is not merely a celebration but also a vessel for important life lessons. At its heart is a theme of quest. The main character, Ugo, loses something precious due to an act of disobedience. Through his journey, which Falayi carefully crafted, he eventually finds what was lost, delivering a powerful message of restoration that mirrors the spirit of Christmas.
"Ugo, like other children protagonists, is brave and smart. And like we see in reality, children sometimes disobey, and disobedience comes with consequences," the author noted. The story teaches that children must listen to their parents. Furthermore, it emphasizes love and sharing, portraying Christmas as a time for giving, inspired by the biblical gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
A Must-Read for Every African Child
Foluke Sijuwola Falayi, who is also the convener of 'Read With Me On International Literacy Day,' has authored over 20 books read in schools across Africa. Her extensive bibliography includes titles like The Little Prince and the Sluggish Servant, The Pride of Parents, and Ada in Port Harcourt.
She asserts that while 'Ugo and Ify at Christmas' can be enjoyed by all ages, it is essential reading for every child. The book underscores the pivotal role of parents and grandparents as guiding lights. "Without good parenting, children can go astray," Falayi remarked. The story is a purely inspirational work that uniquely portrays how Christmas is celebrated in Africa and imparts the valuable lesson that obedience is rewarding.
The author's other children's works, such as A Night at Edet's House and The Slaves in the Palace, further cement her reputation as a cornerstone of relatable African children's literature. With this new release, Falayi continues her mission to provide stories that reflect the authentic lives and cultures of her young readers.
