Vivian Uwakwe, a Nigerian children's book author and illustrator, emphasizes the need for children's literature to meet international standards. As the founder of Yanga Toons Ltd, a Port Harcourt-based publishing house, she aims to incorporate African heritage into high-quality picture books. Uwakwe has a BSc in Estate Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an MBA from Anglia Ruskin University.
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Her journey into children's publishing began when she helped a six-year-old foster child learn to read using pictures and text. This experience fueled her passion for writing and led her to win a $1,000 scholarship to a self-publishing program in 2022. Subsequently, she published her debut book, How The Tortoise Broke Its Shell, which became a bestseller in Amazon’s Children’s African Folk Tales category. This success was followed by How The Lizard Lost Its Hair and a reimagined version of Why The Spider Lives In A Web, both of which topped children's charts in the US, UK, and Canada.
Uwakwe's works blend African traditions with original narratives aimed at a global audience. Her books, illustrated with vibrant designs, also include accompanying activity and coloring books. A member of the SCBWI and ACAIN, she has received a $5,000 grant from the Tony Elumelu Foundation and frequently visits schools to inspire young readers.
In a recent interview, she discussed her father's influence, who discouraged her from pursuing art due to financial concerns but nonetheless shaped her storytelling skills. Uwakwe explained that her professional journey began when she realized she could reach more children through publishing than helping one child at a time.
She identified quality standards as a significant challenge in producing children's books in Nigeria, noting that locally produced titles often suffer from inferior materials and design. In her publishing efforts, she collaborates with local partners to ensure high-quality production and professional editing. Despite roots in African storytelling, Uwakwe insists her narratives appeal to children worldwide.
Uwakwe aims to foster pride in African heritage among Nigerian children, ensuring they see themselves reflected in their literature. She believes storytelling is crucial for children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Additionally, she stresses the importance of quality children's literature in shaping values such as empathy and responsibility.
Regarding the impact of foreign-centric literature, she notes that it can lead children to feel inadequate about their own culture. Uwakwe argues for the necessity of high-quality, inclusive literature that reflects children's realities.
To maintain engagement in an era dominated by digital distractions, she advises authors to elevate the quality of visual storytelling to match what children encounter on screens. Uwakwe emphasizes that children's literature should be considered a national asset, advocating for more significant support within the Nigerian education system and publishing industry for local authors.