Restoring The Reading Culture

Book Review:

Title: Ten Tall Tales

Author: Banji Ojewale 

Publishers: Straight Gate Publishers Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria 

Number of Pages: 65

Reviewer: Vincent Obia

In an era when screens dominate the attention of young minds, Ten Tall Tales comes as a refreshing and delightful storybook that is sure to revamp the reading culture among children. 

This 10-chapter collection of 10 engaging stories rooted in African oral tradition, evokes a world of wonder, magic, and subterfuge, transporting the reader to a locale seething with life, adventure, and valuable lessons.    

The book begins with the story of a girl, an only child, Samari, who was brought up by her parents to be humble, friendly, and respectful. 

The chapter, “Samari and the Old Man,” tells of how the girl’s excellent home training earned her a reward that turned around the fortunes of the family, teaching the importance of good family values.

The second chapter, “Why the Cat Lives Among Men,” teaches obedience to parents; and chapter three, “The Wicked Pretender,” exposes the folly of deceit, with the story of Ado, a poseur, who only pretended to care about a people he was just out to fleece.  

With each chapter dealing with a particular subject, the book seamlessly weaves themes teaching the repercussion of laziness, danger of stubbornness, merits of the saving culture, conjugal faithfulness, destructive nature of subterfuge, and the deceitful colours of greener fields. The messages are both timely and timeless. 

The stories are told in simple English, fine flowing prose, and accessible language, combining emotional connection with local, human-centric examples. This makes the book a compelling and delightful read for a broad audience of children, especially Africans, aged 7-10, or senior primary school pupils.

The book includes a set of questions at the end of each chapter, making it a brilliant workbook and educational resource for children. 

One of the distinctive features of Ten Tall Tales is its beautiful illustrations. The lively, hand-painted artwork brings the characters to life, creating an engrossing experience for young readers.    

The book’s print quality is also superb, with font sizes that make reading a delight. 

Although, a few typos could be spotted on the pages. But they are too minimal to be of any discomfort to the reader. 

In trying to revamp the reading culture among children, Ten Tall Tales is a shining example of what traditional storybooks should be. 

Thus, governments, parents, guardians, get copies of Ten Tall Tales for your children and wards. You’ll be glad you did. And generations will thank you for it.

*Obia, editor at THISDAY, former editor at Daily Independent newspapers, lives in Lagos, and can be reached at: vinobia@yahoo.com