Renowned Kenyan poet Njeri Wangari has ventured into children’s literature with her latest release, My Colouring Book of Rhymes. This interactive book blends poetry, learning, and creativity, making it a unique and engaging addition to children’s literature in Kenya.
For Njeri, this book is more than just a creative project, but a culmination of years of advocacy for African children’s stories. Her journey began in 2013 when she founded Afrokidz, an initiative focused on digitizing African folklore for children. Despite the setback of Safari Tales, a storytelling app that did not take off, she remained committed to ensuring that African children saw themselves reflected in the stories they consumed.
In 2021, she resumed writing for children, experimenting with poems and stories in both English and Kikuyu. However, it wasn’t until 2023, through her involvement with the Kids Lit Club, a monthly storytelling and reading event in partnership with Baraza Media Lab, that she felt the push to turn her work into published books.
As a mother of three, Wangari also wanted to create something her own children could enjoy. While they had seen her perform poetry for adult audiences, she longed to write something they could personally connect with. Like many independent authors, she faced challenges in getting her manuscript published. After receiving multiple rejections from both local and international publishers, she began doubting her ability to transition into children’s writing.
Despite having written more than a dozen manuscripts, she struggled with the idea that her work needed validation from traditional publishing houses. Determined to take matters into her own hands, she made a bold announcement during the last Kids Lit Club event of 2023, that she would be the featured author in their first session of 2024 with a brand-new book.
To bring My Colouring Book of Rhymes to life, Njeri collaborated with her firstborn daughter, Naomi, a talented young visual artist. Together, they worked on the book’s design and layout, making it a deeply personal and fulfilling project. When Naomi saw the first printed copy, she shrieked with delight, while Wangari’s youngest son made it his bedtime favorite, a validation greater than any publishing deal.
Designed for children aged 3-10, My Colouring Book of Rhymes introduces young readers to fun and fascinating facts about wild animals, all while engaging them with poetry and colouring activities. Each page is filled with playful, rhythmic verses that make learning enjoyable, and the illustrations offer a chance for creativity and self-expression. The blend of education and entertainment makes this book a fantastic resource for parents and teachers looking to make reading interactive.
The book’s charm lies in its simplicity and warmth. The rhymes are catchy and easy to follow, making it ideal for early readers, while the colouring aspect ensures that children stay engaged. Parents will appreciate the way it gently introduces kids to poetry, proving that poems can be just as fun as storybooks.
My Colouring Book of Rhymes is retailing at Ksh 950 and is currently available at Cheche Bookshop in Lavington, with plans for distribution at Nuria, Soma Nami, Books First, and The Kids Library Kenya.With this book, Njeri Wangari proves that poetry for children can be lively, educational, and deeply rooted in African storytelling. It’s a must-have for parents looking to nurture a love for words, art, and culture in their little ones.
