A Fun ABC

by Sade Fadipe

Join Adanah on an alphabetical adventure as she goes to visit her grandfather in Modakeke, Nigeria. Every letter, from A to Z, is featured in this African alphabet book. Written in a bouncy rhyming style, children will learn while having fun, as they join Adanah on her school break adventure!

32 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2016

About the author

Hi, I started writing in 2009 and just a few months after, I had signed my first book contract with Cassava Republic Press. My bi-cultural identity weaves through the realistic-fiction picture books I create for my primary-aged readers. I love meeting my readers and getting first hand feedback on how they relate to my books.

Books so far:
1. A FUN ABC (2016) also re-titled, A VISIT TO GRANDAD (2019) in the USA for ages 3-7
2. SNOWY JOY my first chapter (illustrated) book (2019) for ages 8 and above

Working on:
1. A BOUNCY 123 (2020) for ages 3-7

MORE ABOUT ME:
Well, I was born at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington - London in the 60s but lived and started my schooling in Kent. I have fond memories of my first primary school - Rolvenden Primary. I lived happily with my foster mother and her family. Years later, I accompanied my brother and parents to live in Nigeria where I gained two more siblings and a university degree in Linguistics.
On returning to England, I studied to become a teacher in the early 1990s after which I taught at schools within the London Boroughs of Southwark and Redbridge. During this season, my fascination for picture books grew like wildfire and from then onwards, I subconsciously knew I would one day write too!
I would be most delighted to read your reviews. Do tell me what you think of my work; I drink, eat and sleep on your candid reviews :)

Thanks for visiting!
Sade
27/2/20

Reviews

[Jummy Dawodu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and fun way for children to learn their alphabet. Reminded me of the richness of African culture. Will definitely recommend this book. Very well done

[Anne Fatusin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a pleasure to review this magnificent book. With the depiction on the front cover, the book gives an indication that the Reader is set on a fun-filled journey. Initially, one would think that because it portrays all girls, but on opening it, different age groups and gender are illustrated. Perhaps it is a clever approach of gaining attention of the Reader.

A Children’s book which sets the Reader on a memory lane of how letters of the Alphabet were easily remembered, a technique which is still replicated in today’s learning culture. The story being told using the alphabet makes it easier to read and enjoy the book using animals and African cultural images such as the drummers. The use of language is clear, simple and informal. Illustrations of animals give indication of loving every living creature. The domestic chores depicted by both the girl sweeping the floor and man (which could be the father), washing the plates in the kitchen – demonstrate the modern way of family living. The father listening to the daughter’s reading on another page, is a feature that promotes a good family set up and encourages parents to have time to educate their children at home. The book further demonstrates community spirit and one is reminded of the adage – “it takes a village to raise a child”. The characters are of mixed age groups which makes the book captivating and can be easily understood by any age group.

On a final note, the book seems to acknowledge the fact that a child has the opportunity to become successful in adulthood given the basic elementary training and appreciating life. I will certainly recommend the book particularly to our children not born and raised in Africa but who are accustomed to the western way of life. This is for them to have an idea of how their parents lived their childhood years in Africa.

Kudos to you, Sade. Well done and I look forward to more story telling books.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ABC book is a unique multicultural presentation of the alphabet. The illustrations are incredibly detailed, and the figures animated with the mood of each scene. Adanah is preparing for her trip to Nigeria to visit her grandfather. The letters are chosen and the scenes depicted trace her journey from beginning to end. She allows the reader to experience African culture by choosing native foods like yams and tubers. Adanah shows the netting to protect from insects and walking to the pump to draw water. Her Aunt Sumbo gathers the children to pass down stories from oral tradition.
For these reasons, I would recommend the book not merely for children learning the alphabet but also for older readers who would like to experience a bit of the African culture. Highly recommended as a beautiful multicultural picture book for all ages.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily chose to read and review giving my honest opinions for no compensation.

[Tamira Thayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Fun ABC” is just that: Fun! Not only does the rhyming story start each new page with the next letter of the alphabet, but many other words starting with the same letter sneak into the gorgeous illustrations. The illustrations are both colorful and exquisitely done, and the glimpse into another way of life is intriguing.

Laughter, love, and a joyous lust for living pull one deeper, and I could spend hours just looking at the pictures and understanding the nuances presented.

Sade Fade did a wonderful job, as did the illustrator, Shedrach Ayalomeh.

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for boys and girls, schools and libraries.

I was delighted to read this book. It filled me with joy. A beautiful book by Sade Fadipe and Shedrach Ayalomeh. Don't be deceived by its modest title. It is beyond just “ABC”, and it is beyond just a visit to Granddad -- it is more than that, and it gives a much bigger vision. It brings in front of my eyes the whole of African, its life, its fantastic people, its joy, hope and spirit. I highly recommend it to boys and girls, schools and libraries.

[Cynthia Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. It tells the story of a girl's visit to her grandfather while also teaching the alphabet in a fun way. Each page/double page is a work of art in itself. As a result, few words are needed; the text in this book is more memorable as a result. It's a great way to pass on learning through words and visual scenes.

[Ronit · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Adanah is visiting her grandad and showing us the people and places that she encounters using the ABC.

This is a fun book that shows the local culture, Adanah meets people and going to different places.
The illustration is beautiful and very detailed.

I recommend this book to kids ages 4-7.

[Carrol Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. I'ts beautifully written and Illustrated in the way it represents children of colour in a strong positive light. Also, it is fun way for children of all groups to learn about children of other cultures in a positive way. Every school library should have a copy of this book for children to read.

[Oluremi Adeoye]

Nice book for the young ones. Refreshingly different from other alphabet books. Worth every penny.