Book Title: Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 6-12), 78 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: The Good Work Company
Release date: June 19, 2022
Content Rating: G. Children’s Book.
Follow the life of young Soso as she encounters mysteries and unearths traditions that have existed long before she was born.Be part of her adventures as she gains confidence, self-esteem, and an understanding of her deep cultural heritage.
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This book is available for special purchases in bulk by organizations and institutions, not for resale, at special discounts. Please email all inquiries to The Good Work Company.
Bella Disu is a mother of two wonderful children. She is an enthusiastic lover of art as well as an avid reader. From a young age, she has been enamoured with rich cultural folktales. Now, she channels her love for art and her passion for reading into writing stories. Her stories use new forms to pass on the tales she heard growing up to the next generation.
Bella is also a renowned business leader who is committed to corporate governance and business innovation. In December 2019, she became the youngest ever recipient of the French National Honor – Chevalier dans L’ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts at promoting French culture in Nigeria.
She is married and lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family.
connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ instagram
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I received a copy of Soso and the Kako Leaf for an honest review. What follows is my opinion and mine alone. There was no compensation for this review.
Soso and the Kako Leaf is an illustrated children’s book. Filled with beautiful colors and double-paged artwork, I felt a part of the world Bella Disu wanted to tell. The colors are vibrant, the characters have great facial expressions, and the world looks magical. For a moment, I thought the book was only illustrated, but there is text on the following pages. It turns out I was just really engrossed in the artwork to pay attention.
When I finally had the focus to give the prose attention, I was met with a story about a nine-year-old girl who has an unusual birthmark on her left leg that she dislikes. In the beginning, Soso seems like a normal little girl with normal insecurities, but you soon learn there is much more. That more is the crux of the story, twisting culture and lore into a beautiful array of colors and an underground world of magic.
As someone who doesn’t know much about African folklore or fantasy, Soso and the Kako Leaf is my first introduction to Nigerian culture. The artwork and story are only strengthened by the glossary at the end of the book, where the reader could learn a little about what they just read. Personally, I am inspired to look more into African folklore, of which I know there are many different cultures, tribes, countries, and stories.
All in all, I would recommend this book to any parent who wants their little girl to have a hero that matches their age.
Casia's Corner 