Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Didn’t Think She Could Write for Kids — Until Now

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has captivated global audiences with her award-winning novels and short stories for adults. But this celebrated writer of books like Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun never imagined herself writing children’s books.

That changed with the release of her first picture book, Chimamanda’s Feminist Fairy Tales, in 2022.

So what inspired Adichie, known for her piercing social commentary, to take the leap into children’s literature? And what does she hope young readers will gain from her empowering tales of girls being heroes?

From Skeptic to Believer: Adichie’s Shift to Writing for Young People

In an interview on CBC Radio’s q with Tom Power, Adichie confessed she once held the biased view that children’s books were intellectually unchallenging. But her perspective changed after reading beloved classics like Charlotte’s Web and realizing their artistry and depth.

As a new mother, Adichie also yearned to share empowering stories with her young daughter. She set out to create children’s tales centering strong female protagonists and themes of empowerment.

“I thought there was a gap in the kinds of stories we tell children,” Adichie said. “I wanted to write the kinds of stories I would have loved as a child.”

Bold Heroines, Familiar Themes

Fans of Adichie’s work for adults will recognize her signature style and passion for women’s empowerment in Chimamanda’s Feminist Fairy Tales. But the stories speak directly to young readers in imaginative new ways.

The collection contains three tales featuring bold heroines. In “Who Does This Hair Belong To?” a young girl named Enyioma uses her creative talents to solve problems in her community.

“Why the Cocks Crow in the Morning” follows a bright little girl named Kosi who saves her village from a vindictive mermaid.

And “The Magical Leaf” stars a brave princess named Zikora who ignores warnings and ventures deep into the spirit world on a quest to help her people.

“The characters are very much like what I write about in my adult fiction — girls who have agency, who want to change something in their world,” Adichie said.

While tackling sophisticated themes, the stories unfold through a child’s imagination using talking animals and mythical creatures. Vibrant illustrations by South African artist Chidum Onuorah further bring the tales to life.

Passing Down Messages That Empower

So why did Adichie feel compelled to create these boundary-pushing tales for young readers?

She aims to pass on uplifting messages she wished she’d received in childhood — messages parents and society don’t often directly tell girls.

“I wanted to be able to say to children, especially children of color, especially girls — you matter, your life matters, you deserve love, you deserve joy and the world is yours too,” Adichie said.

The stories encourage girls to tap into their talents, nurture big dreams and blaze their own paths. Adichie hopes they’ll inspire a bold new generation.

“I think the reason we tell stories to children is we’re saying to them, this is who we want you to be in the world,” she said.

Expanding Representation with Children’s Books

Adichie also uses her fairy tales to expand representation in children’s literature.

Characters with natural black hair star in the tales. Adichie said she’s “always been troubled by the absence of black characters” in so many children’s books.

“I wanted to be able to create black characters, physically describe them, talk about their hair, because their hair is beautiful too,” she said.

Through small but powerful details, Adichie’s stories celebrate underrepresented perspectives. She aims to nurture inclusivity and self-love.

Adichie Plans More Children’s Books Centering Bold Girls

The enthusiastic response to Chimamanda’s Feminist Fairy Tales has the renowned author eager to continue writing for young audiences. She shared plans for more picture books and middle grade novels.

“I’d love to do a series with a feisty girl character,” Adichie said.

If her first children’s book is any indication, we can expect vivid tales from Adichie that expand representation while inspiring a new generation of empowered young dreamers.