Yetunde: An Ode to My Mother by Segilola Salami

Yetunde: An Ode to My Mother is a chapter book for children with some illustrations. It is a stand-alone book from Yetunde: The Life and Times of a Yoruba Girl in London (1). You may think of it as book 1.5, as in this book baby Yetunde is slightly older.

Yetunde: An Ode to My Mother is a heart-warming story about the power of a mother’s love; truly an ode to women and mothers all over the world. It is a captivating and emotional story that talks about love and loss!

Follow Yetunde as she narrates her mother’s ode to her grandmother. It is the Yoruba praise poetry for a mother known as Oriki Iya. Yetunde is also thrilled and delighted by the ancient Yoruba tale passed down to her by her mother about Labakẹ, a young maiden who was kidnapped to be forced to marry a warrior king. Is Iya Labakẹ just a simple defenceless mother? Will Iya Labakẹ save her child in time? Or . . . ?

This is a short story dedicated to past, present and future mothers, a perfect Mother’s day present!

The book is mostly in English and all Yoruba words are translated, so everyone can enjoy the book fully.

This illustrated chapter book has been written in such a way that it can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Adults can read the book for their own enjoyment or as bedtime stories for kids age 3-8 (even younger). Older children (ages 9 – 12) can also read the book by themselves.

This book features Yemoja, a Yoruba Orisa. Do you want to know more about Orisa Yemoja and why she is revered as a mother? Order your copy of Yetunde: An Ode to My Mother written by Nigerian-Brit author and podcaster Segilola Salami NOW!