‘A Is For Africa’ is a fascinating book about Africa that depicts everyday life in Nigeria and several African countries. The ABC book about Africa is written by a talented African photographer, Ifeoma Onyefulu, providing an incisive, sophisticated view of her homeland’s rich heritage.

African Book: A Is For Africa, by Ifeoma Onyefulu

“This alphabet is based on my own favorite images of the Africa I know,” writes Onyefulu, a member of the Igbo tribe who grew up in Nigeria and now lives in London. And though her penetrating photos were taken in her native country, she notes that the traditions and spirit she hopes to convey are common to “all the peoples of this vast, friendly, colorful continent.”

The beautifully composed color photos, arranged alphabetically by subject, feature objects or practices representing various facets of African customs and culture: “B is for the Beads a girl may wear on her head, ears or neck”; “R is for River. Africans believe many rivers are sacred.” Emphasized throughout are individuals’ affection and concern for one another (“E is the embrace we give our loved ones”; “K is for Kola nuts offered to guests to show warmth and friendship”; “S is for Shaking hands”).

A Is For Africa Book Reviews

Below are reviews culled from Amazon about Ifeoma Onyefulu’s book titled “A Is For Africa“:

• A Fun Way to Learn the Alphabet: This children’s book offers an inviting glimpse into West African traditions. From “A is for Africa” to “I is for Indigo”, the author Ifeoma Onyefulu uses important aspects of West African life to represent each letter of the alphabet. The book is appropriate for kids of all ages. My daughter is one year old, so I simplify the book by reading just the first sentence of each page, such as “V is for village”. The text continues to describe that “V is for the village, where many people live together, sharing the same traditions and beliefs. The old people in the village teach the young ones the old customs, as they were once taught themselves.” The photographs in this book are not only beautiful, but very representative of West Africa. Every child interested in Africa should have this book! I am looking forward to reading Ifeoma Onyefulu’s other children’s books. - By Melissa Salter
• Crosscultural intro for children: This is a well-written book for children age 4 to 8. Wonderful, warm photos give a gentle introduction to the people, the clothing, and objects used in daily life in some African countries. Authentic. This book will endure and deserves another printing. – By M. Terrill (Santa Babara, California, USA)
• Great Photos: This book is super! It has fabulous photos of kids & adults in Africa, and many animals. It’s a good, good book to help children visualize another part of the world! – By Sherli J. Morgan “Sherli” (North Carolina, USA) 
• We are different-We are the same – a review of “A is for Africa”: As a mom of two I like to supply a variety of books for my children and I like this one as it has proven it’s usefulness on a couple of levels. First, it can be used as an alphabet book; and second it can be used as apart of an Africa social studies unit. I particularly like that the pictures are upbeat and cheerful, all the while portraying a world that is very much unlike our own. And what do the children think? They like pouring over the pictures and wondering what kind of candies are on the table under the umbrella of the market trader. ;-)  Three and a Half Stars. At these prices I think you might want to take a look at this book if you are looking for a super simple book on Africa. [And there's always the library.] – By Pam Tee 

Ifeoma Onyefulu (born 1959) is a Nigerian children’s author and novelist. She is a member of the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria, and a professional photographer. Most of her books are geared towards young children, and feature her own colorful photographs of life in Africa.

_______

Note: If you have read the book “A Is For Africa”, and would like to share your review, please use the comment box below to kindly add your input.