Chioma Momah is the owner of Chiomah’s blog; a blogging site for fellow proud Naija wives and mothers, and also the author of “First Day At The Big School”, a book that she hopes will encourage children to look forward to transitioning to a new school or a new class. She also wanted to fill the void of non-Nigerian books on the market. Enjoy our interview with her below.
How did you decide to write the book?
For the last few years I had always told myself I would write a book for my children mainly because I wasn’t seeing enough Nigerian storybooks. Most books had foreign characters and I wanted something my children could relate with, along with Nigerian names and beautiful diverse skin tones.
Did you Know You would Always Be a Writer?
I never saw myself as a writer. It wasn’t until I lost my Dad 10 years ago and started writing down some discussions I had with him (just so I wouldn’t forget) that I realized I enjoyed writing.
Why “First day in big school?”
I remember how much I looked forward to going to primary school and all the mix of emotions I felt, including excitement and anxiety at the thought of a higher class. This mix of emotions at starting a new class or changing school is something most children can relate to. The story will make the transition to a new class easier for both the child and the parent. Even as adults we face a deluge of emotions when starting a new job, we ask ourselves questions such as “will I like this new environment? will I make new friends?” Children also face the same uncertainties and this book aims to make the transition easier for our little ones.
 
 
What is the response from readers?
Honestly, it has been so encouraging! As a first time author, I Â truly did not expect to get such positive feedback from readers. One mum called to say the story was read to her child on her first day at school. By the time her daughter came home she had memorized the whole book and was reciting the story. Other parents have told me that their children got even more excited about school after reading my book. One child thought that her mum made the book especially for her because she saw a few familiar names in the book.
What do you hope readers will get from reading your book?
I hope they will learn to look forward to new experiences. To be friendly and to realize it is normal to have anxiety but that at the end everything will work out fine. The book is mainly targeted at children starting primary school as well as children between 4 to 8 years old. But it is also a simple story that can be enjoyed by anyone.
 
Any tips for kids as they head to big school?
I say “Be brave and look forward to this bigger things”. No matter what you are anxious about relax, and look forward to making friends and learning new things. [Read: 7 Tips If Your Child is Changing Schools]
When should we expect the sequel?
I am working on a sequel right now and a series focusing on young children. I hope it is ready in the next couple of months and you will enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Want to purchase the book “First Day At The Big School? Visit the Locations below.
-Laterna Bookstores, V/I
-ShoMya Studio Lekki Phase 1
-EPP Bookstore, Ojuelegba road
