Children’s Literature

Big, Bold and Beautiful 

They bullied me, called me fat, ugly, stupid and timid, but what they didn’t know was that every insult, body shaming and beating was a fueling fire waiting to explode. 

My name is Aisha Bello. I am the only daughter of my parents; I’m also from a Muslim family. I often get bullied and body-shamed at school because I am fat. Sometimes, it is verbal, other times, it is physical.  I was born into my family when my parents had given up on having a female child.  Because of this, my family pampered and adored me, and I never got to do any chores or hard work all my life. All I ever needed was always provided for me.  I have three very handsome brothers, but I was the opposite of them. The names of my brothers are Muhammed Bello (first son), Ibrahim Bello, also known as IB money, as his friends call him (second son) and Adamu Bello, the comedian of the family (the third son). We live at a very beautiful estate in Abuja named River Park Estate, situated along the airport road in Lugbe.

My brothers are the best anyone could ask for. They love games, especially football. They make out time to play football sometimes, and I enjoyed the banter they often make amongst themselves. My brothers don’t joke with me at all; they care for me and pamper me. Still, I couldn’t tell them how I got body shamed and bullied at school, even though I was very close to them and they also knew my secrets and whereabouts.

I never told my family what I was going through because I didn’t want to be a burden to them, but the bullying and body shaming became too much that I couldn’t bear it anymore and it was becoming more and more annoying, and I couldn’t tell anyone and I had no friends. I once had a friend whom I cherished so much. Her name was Zainab, and she was the sweetest friend ever until the bullies influenced her and she joined them in body shaming and abusing me. My family knew about her, and they kept asking why she didn’t visit our home anymore, but I always answered them by saying she is fine, she will visit soon. Since then, I haven’t made any new friends at all. This made me always stay indoors and never go out because I felt like what if I go out and people body shame or abuse me.

I was so hurt and I cried my eyes out for days because the person whom I called my friend now abuses me and body shames me, still I kept my mouth shut and just tried to swallow it all. My mom noticed I was always moody, and when she asked me, I told her nothing was going on. The bullies were mostly girls who think they are perfect because they are slim thick according to what they always say. They didn’t know my mental health was at stake. I couldn’t think about anything other than losing weight, and I barely ate at home or even at school. I was always starving myself so that I could be the perfect size like those bullies, but it was too much for me.

One fateful day at school, I decided I’d had enough.

The bullying, the insults, the body-shaming – I wasn’t going to let it continue in silence. 

So, when it started again, I stood up and spoke my truth:

“Yes, I’m big. I’m bold. I’m beautiful. And no one can tell me otherwise. Your opinions do not define me.”  They were stunned – even speechless. And for the first time, I felt free and proud.   Later, when my family found out. They were upset – not because I stood up for myself, but because I had stayed silent for so long. I was reprimanded, not out of anger, but out of love and concern.

As for the bullies? They were punished, and justice, in its way, was served.

The Little Lantern and the Lost Firefly

On the edge of a quiet village, nestled between towering trees, lived a young boy named Timi. He was known for his kind heart and curious mind. Every evening, he would sit outside his house, watching the fireflies dance in the night like tiny stars.

One night, Timi noticed something strange. A single firefly flickered weakly, struggling to keep its light alive. Unlike the others, it seemed lost, unable to fly high. Concerned, Timi cupped his hands gently and caught the firefly. It was shivering.

“You must be tired,” Timi whispered. “Maybe you just need a little rest.”

He carefully placed the firefly inside a small lantern and took it into his room. He left the lantern open so the firefly wouldn’t feel trapped. That night, he watched over it as it pulsed its tiny light, slowly growing stronger.The next morning, Timi told his grandmother about the firefly. She smiled and said, “Kindness is like a flame, my child. When you share it, it grows brighter.”

That evening, as the sun dipped below the hills, Timi took the firefly back outside. He opened the lantern, and for a moment, the firefly hesitated. Then, with a bright, steady glow, it flew into the sky, joining the others. But something magical happened. The firefly returned, circling around Timi before leading a group of glowing fireflies to dance around him. It was as if they were thanking him for his kindness. From that night on, whenever Timi sat outside, the fireflies always gathered around him, their tiny lights shining like little reminders that kindness is never forgotten.

Obiora Chinemelum

The Memory Merchant

Ahmadu stood at the edge of the bustling market, his eyes scanning the vibrant status selling everything from colorful fabrics to fresh produce. He wasn’t here to buy or sell goods, though. Ahmadu was a memory merchant, and his wares were far more precious.

As a young boy, Ahmadu had discovered his unique gift .he could absorb ,store , and even manipulate memories.it started with his grandmother’s stories, which he did recall with perfect clarity even years later .As he grew older ,he realized he could do the same with others memories Ahmadu’s stall was a small , intricately carved wooden structure nestled between a spice vendor and a seller of handmade jewelry.A discreet sign above the stall. An elderly woman approached Ahmadu, her eyes clouded with sorrow.” I want to forget she said, her voice barely about a whisper “I want to forget the pain of losing my child.

Ahmadu nodded sympathetically “I can help you “he said .but it will cost you .

The woman hesitated, then handed Ahmadu a small, delicate locket inside, a photo of her smiling child gazed back at him . Ahmadu took the locket, closed his eyes, and focused on the woman’s memories. As he absorbed the painful recollection, Ahmadu expression changed .he felt the woman’s anguish, her despair, and her longing. When he opened his eyes, the woman looked at him expectantly.

It’s done Ahmadu said. The memories are gone, stored safely away. The woman’s face relaxed and she smiled weakly .Thank you, she said, turning to leave. Ahmadu watched her go, feeling the weight of the memories he did absorbed. He knew he did carry them with him forever. But it was a burden he was willing to bear.

As the day wore on, more people came to Ahmadu stall .A young couple seeking to revive their first date, a man wanting to forget a traumatic event, and a woman hoping to recall a long forgotten language. Ahmadu helped each of them, using his gift to manipulate their memories. He was a memory merchant, and his wares were the fabric of the people’s lives 

But as the sun began to set, Ahmadu felt a familiar presence behind him. He turned to a see figure he did know since childhood, a woman with eyes that seemed to see right through him. You are still doing this,I see she said her voice a mixture of concern and curiosity.Ahmadu nodded “someone has to “,he replied the woman smiled “ my name is Akua .And you Ahmadu are a mystery even to yourself.

As  Akua disappeared into the crowd, Ahmadu felt a sense of unease. He did always know his gift was special, but Akua words had stirred something within him. As the market closed, and the stalls were packed away, Ahmadu remained, lost in thought. He realized that his gift wasn’t just about buying and selling memories. It was about understanding the human experience from that day on, Ahmadu approached his work with a newfound sense of purpose. He wasn’t just a memory merchant; he was a guardian of stories, a keeper of secrets, and a weaver of memories. And as he sat in his stall, surrounded by the whispers of the past, Ahmadu knew he did found his true calling.

A Chance at Life

CHAPTER ONE

Ruby laid on the hospital bed staring at the ceiling tiny tears dropped from her eyes in that moment she thought of what could have been. Aku was sitting beside her on wheels shading tears too. 

One of the Nurses came in to check on the drip and also get her vital signs. Ruby asked the Nurse where her mum was. Oh not to worry your mother has gone to get you some provisions and the drugs the doctor had prescribed for you” The Nurse answered.

“Oh ok, Thank you Nurse” Ruby answered and looked away. 

The Nurse gently touched her legs and said “Don’t worry, your vital signs are good, so you will be good to go home soon ok, relax yourself” with that the Nurse left the ward  `

Ruby turned to Aku looked at her without voicing any words, she was weak but most of all grateful. Grateful, she and Aku had a Chance at Life again. 

CHAPTER TWO

Bunkechukwu, 11 years old, tall, caramel skinned with hazel eyes, oval shaped face, and slim fit. She wanted to be a model maybe because of her stature, she was the brightest among her pairs, one would even think she was older because of the way she was carried herself with elegance, she was in JSS1. Bunk, as many people called her was a very sweet girl, loved by old and young in her street, she was very respectful was always helping old women carry their goods whenever she saw any coming back from the market. She was the daughter of Mazi Anuka, A well to do trader who owned one of the biggest provision stores at the big market in Ndi-enu, located in the eastern part, her mum, Mrs. Rita Anuka was a police inspector in the Nigerian police force.

Bunke was an only child and she had a caregiver called, Nsikak, A village Calabar girl who could barely understand the English language properly. Nsikak would always add the letter “R” to every word she tried to pronounce in English.

One time she was helping Bunke get ready for school she helped in making her lunch while Bunke Prepared herself. She made noodles and Bunke didn’t like onions in her noodles but Nsikak forgot and added onions to it, she packed it in the launch bag, when Bunke opened the lunch box, looked at it and saw some pieces of onion she refused to take the lunch

“Nsikak, you know I don’t like onions, I can’t take this please”

“Ahh, small maram you for manage am nah” Nsikak took it and was murmuring walking back to the kitchen when Mrs. Rita saw her and asked what the problem was

“Nsikak, what is the matter? 

“Maram, no vex ooo na sumoo maram say e no want the inromie again say I put am orion. I want go cook anoda thing make she carry go school”

“Nsikak, you know she doesn’t like onion in her noodles na, please don’t make the mistake again oo.”

“Sorry maram”

“Please make something else for her quickly” 

“Ok maram”

CHAPTER THREE

Bunke’s friends lived two streets away from her house. They were of same age range, except for Ruby, who was a year older, While Akunne was same age as Bunke. They all attended Ndienu Girls Grammar School which was situated at the center of the town and was not far from their homes. So they normally walked home together.

Aku, as she was fondly called, is a chubby dark skinned girl, not so tall, she had brown eyes that radiated beauty and a charming smile. she was the last child of the Nze’s, she had three elder brothers who always looked out for her and pampered her so much.

Her parents owned a restaurant and bar where they sold food and drinks.  She would accompany her brothers after the close of school every day to help at the restaurant, except for when she had assignments to attend to. 

Her father, Mr. Nze, would always tease her “Aku mama, as he fondly called her, hope you’ve done all your assignments? I don’t want your teacher to come here and flog me oo” Aku would laugh so hard and reply: 

“Daddy, can my teacher flog a big man like you? 

“Don’t they have big canes? He would ask

  “Yes, they do, but you’re big Daddy, my Teachers’ canes are for her students” 

“Ok oo but hope you’ve done your assignment? “Yes, daddy, I have”

 “Leave my husband for me oo Mrs. Nze would scream for where she was in the kitchen and they‘ll both laugh. 

Ruby, on the other hand, was the first daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ndukwe. 

She had a little brother, Alex. 

Ruby is light skinned, her skin radiated so bright you could see her in the dark, and she had water coloured eyes. she was indeed a beautiful child, but was very playful and because her both parents were bankers they barely had time for the children, Ruby loved water so much. She always went swimming at the River Ndienu because her parents were barely around, so she would leave her little brother with the neighbor’s children in their yard and go swimming with her friends after school hours. There were tales that the River Goddess came out on special occasions to dance and greet the human world. 

Ruby would always come to class with tales of the river that interested Bunke so much that it made her long for the experience at the river. 

“Bunke and Aku, which day will you both join me to the River, you girls are missing a lot oh” 

Ruby said to them one day on their way home from school.

“Ruby, you know my parents will never hear me speak of it” Bunke said 

“They don’t have to know, do they? Ruby asked

“As for me you know I have to go and help at the shop” Aku said

  “Ok oo, I’m jobless abi” Ruby answered.

“No oh, No oh that’s not what we meant” the girls chorused in response and promised to make out time one day and join her to the river.

CHAPTER FOUR 

Bunke’s Mum, Mrs. Rita had a promotion exam to write in Lagos so she had to travel leaving Bunke with Nsikak and her father. It was scheduled to be a one-week trip so she left Nsikak with instructions on how to run the house, things she should do and not do for Bunke.

“Nsikak, not when I leave now you’ll be washing uniforms and stockings for Bunke oo, let her do her laundry herself, don’t do her assignment for her either, she’s old enough to handle it” Mrs. Rita warned Nsikak on her way out the day she was to make the trip. 

“Ok, Maram, Nsikak replied, lifting her madam’s bag. Bunke, don’t stress Nsikak oh, help her with the chores.”

“Yes, Mum.”

“Always seek her permission, only go out if she approves and give her the full detail of where you’re going to, don’t stress your Daddy as well, whatever you need, tell him” Mrs. Rita said to her daughter. 

“Ok mum, but I’m going to miss you. Please buy me something on your return” Bunke Pleaded her mum.

“I will, my daughter,” Mrs. Rita said as they hugged each other and said their byes

 Mazi Anuka had already driven in to pick his wife and so he would drop her at the park. 

“Bia this woman hurry up ooh except you want to miss the bus.” 

Mazi Anuka said as he horned for her to hurry up. 

“Ngwanu ka odi” Mrs. Rita said while entering the front sit. 

Nsikak helped to put her bags in the boot and she and Bunke kept waving until the car went far enough not to see it again. 

It was the weekend, so Nsikak allowed Bunke more free time.

CHAPTER FIVE

Monday morning always came with a kind of seriousness; this week’s Monday morning was a breezy one. Bunke was done getting ready for school and was having breakfast when Mazi Anuka broke the news that he had an urgent meeting in the village to report to and will be back in two days’ time. 

“Bunkechukwu Nwam, I’m sorry but I’ll have to leave you for an urgent matter I need to attend to in the village. I got the call this morning,” He said 

“Ah, Daddy, why, you want to leave me like mum did?” Bunke queried with teary eyes. 

You and I know your mother can never leave us, she loves you and I too much for that ok, her trip is for  the betterment of her future and ours inugo nwam”  He assured 

“Yes, daddy” Bunke answered still teary.

“I will be back before you know it ok, just two days Ada daddy. Tell me what you want me to get you on my way back” He asked. 

Chocolates and cookies” Bunke replied now smiling

“Consider it done Nwam” With that, he kissed her forehead bade her farewell and went to his room to finish packing the remaining things he needed for the trip. Bunke finished her food and took the plates to the kitchen. 

“Small maram you don finish? Nsikak asked

  “Yes thank you ma” Bunke replied 

“You wericome, small maram”

“Did my father tell you he was travelling” Bunke asked 

“Yes, he teri me oo, but he say him go come back small time so na me and you small maram remain” she said.

“Yes,” Bunke struggled with her reply 

“No worry, small maram, I dey with you you hear, I dey with you” with that Nsikak finished up what she was doing and walked Bunke to School since her dad will not be able to drop her off. 

At school later that day, Bunke was just calm and withdrawn to herself, Ruby and Aku approached her 

“Bunke, this one you are like this what happened? They chorused 

“Nothing just that my dad had to travel urgently this morning to the village” Bunke answered 

“Is that why you are moody? Oya cheer up Aku said. 

“Bunke cheer up ok, they‘ll soon be back” Ruby said to Bunke 

Yesterday at the river was so much fun, we even had a swimming competition with the boys that came to fetch water. Ebuka won, the boy that lives at the back of our house. 

When are you girls going to join me ehh? Ruby asked. 

“I don’t know ooo” Aku answered

“Bunke, you’ll enjoy the experience oo” Ruby tuned to Bunke 

“Nsikak will not allow me” Bunke said. 

“You don’t have to tell her you’re going swimming” Ruby replied 

“Hmm ok, I’ll try” Bunke answered 

“Ok, I’ll join you two then” Aku finally agreed

CHAPTER SIX

Wednesdays were always half days at Ndienu Comprehensive Grammar School because the school activities ended at 2:00 pm every Wednesday. 

After school Bunke and her friends trekked home as usual and on their way they agreed to meet at Ruby’s house later when they were done with chores so they could go swimming as planned the previous day.  At about 3:30 pm Aku had gone to her parent’s restaurant and asked for permission from her parents to go to Ruby’s house. She lied that they had planned a group reading for that evening. 

“Is that so?” Mr. Nze said. 

Yes, Daddy.” Aku answered. 

Alright then, go and return back before the day gets dark ooo, as you can see your mother went to the market, don’t let her return before you, Mr. Nze warned. 

Ok, daddy, Thank you” with that, Aku ran off to Ruby’s house. 

Bunke on the other hand also lied to Nsikak that she was going for a group reading at Ruby’s house. 

“Small maram abeg come back on time oo, you know say na only me and you dey” Nsikak warned.  

“I will, thank you, bye” with those words, Bunke left the house.

   The children met at Ruby’s house, Ruby’s parents were at work as usual so Ruby left her little brother with the neighbors and set out with her friends to the river. When they got to the river, there weren’t so many people, only some boys who came to play and fetch water were there. Ruby, however, didn’t mind and jumped in excitedly urging Bunke and Aku to join her. Bunke hesitated a bit even though she had longed for the experience but finally gave in when she saw Aku already in the water. 

“Make una no go deep oo.” one of the boys warned.  Ruby knew how to swim a little so she guided Aku and Bunke.

Bunke and Aku started to enjoy the feeling of being in the river and wanted the experience to last for even longer, until the weather started to change and it began to rain from tiny drops to even heavier drops. Another boy warned them that they had to leave the water but Bunke asked that they should stay a little more that the rain wasn’t so heavy.

Ruby had noticed that the river was slowly becoming aggressive and was the waves were stronger, but she still gave in to Bunke’s pleas. The rain became heavier and Ruby insisted they left as she battled to swim out of the water which became really hard as the waves had become stronger, she was struggling and so was Bunke and Aku. 

Aku tried to swim out through the other side of the river when something from under the water grabbed her leg and tied round it, it felt like a rope. She screamed and Ruby struggled to get to her. In that moment of trying to lose her free from whatever it was holding her leg the force from the water pushed Ruby and she hit herself on a stone in the river. The boys were quick to run to them and they were able to help them out. Only then did they notice that Bunke was still not out of the river.

Three boys dived into the river in search of Bunke and the others ran off to call Nsikak. The boys were able to find her but then she already had enough water inside her, It had stopped raining heavily but the rain was still drizzling. Nsikak ran down to the river with the boys, she carried Bunke in her arms and ran to the hospital. The boys helped Aku and Ruby to the hospital, too. On arrival at the hospital, the nurses and doctors hurried round Bunke in attempts to save her but it was too late because she had so much water in her, the water choked Bunke to death.

Nsikak called Bunke’s parents and before 9:00pm Mazi Anuka was already at the hospital, he asked what had happened to his daughter. The doctor and some nurses held him and tried to calm him down.. Nsikak took to her heels, packed her things and left the house.  Bunke’s Mum, Mrs. Rita arrived the following morning at the house, which was now crowded by sympathizers. She wailed and asked for her child. People held her, her husband tried to console her admist tears, saying “Bunkechukwu is the Lord’s,” my wife, “Bunkechukwu is the Lord’s.”

The Magic Paintbrush 

In a small village nestled in the rolling hills of a far-off land, there lived a young boy named Kelvin. Kelvin was a curious and creative child who loved to paint and draw. One day, while exploring the village market, Kelvin found an old, mysterious-looking paintbrush. The paintbrush was unlike any Kelvin had ever seen before. It had a glowing handle that shined like the stars in the night sky. The vendor, an old man with a kind smile, told Kelvin that this was not an ordinary paintbrush.

“This is a magic paintbrush,” the old man said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “It has the power to bring your paintings to life.”

Kelvin was excited. He had always dreamed of creating art that would transport people to new worlds, but he didn’t believe that a simple paintbrush could make that happen. The old man handed Kelvin the paintbrush, and as soon as he touched it, Kelvin felt an strange energy coursing through his fingers. He decided to test the paintbrush’s supposed magic by painting a picture of a beautiful garden.

As he worked, the paintbrush seemed to move on its own, bringing the garden to vivid life. Kelvin was amazed and a little frightened. He didn’t know what to do with this newfound power.

The old man warned Kelvin that the magic paintbrush came with a great responsibility. “Use it wisely, young one,” he said. “Your creations can bring joy or destruction, depending on your intentions.”

Kelvin was determined to use the paintbrush for good. He created beautiful paintings that brought happiness to the villagers. However, not everyone was pleased with Kelvin’s newfound talent.

A rival artist, named Hilary, grew jealous of Kelvin’s success. Hilary had always believed that he was the best artist in the village, and Kelvin’s magic paintbrush made him feel inferior. One night, Hilary snuck into Kelvin’s studio and stole the magic paintbrush. He used it to create dark, twisted paintings that brought fear and despair to the villagers.

Kelvin was shocked when he discovered what Hilary had done. He felt like he had lost control of the magic paintbrush and that his creations were being used for evil. Determined to set things right, Kelvin embarked on a dangerous journey to retrieve the magic paintbrush from Hilary. Along the way, he encountered many challenges and obstacles, but he refused to give up.

Finally, after many days of traveling, Kelvin reached Hilary’s fortress. He snuck inside, avoiding guards and traps, and confronted Hilary.

The rival artist was taken aback by Kelvin’s bravery. He realized that his jealousy had consumed him and that he had been using the magic paintbrush for selfish purposes.

Kelvin and Hillary made amends, and the magic paintbrush was returned to its rightful owner. From then on, Kelvin used the paintbrush to create art that brought joy and inspiration to the villagers.