Logos Open Culture publishes three children’s books in Chichewa
Logos Open Culture publishes three children’s books in Chichewa. The books are now part of Malawian school reading programmes.
The beautiful books have two strong female protagonists that tell uplifting and relatable stories for children. These were a collaboration with Malawian and Malawi-based authors, illustrators and graphic designers,
Written by Melody Phoya and illustrated by Kate Mkandawire, Mbiri ya Mayi Rose Chibambo tells the inspiring story of Malawian freedom fighter Rose Chibambo who is on the 200 Kwacha note. If you are interested to know more about the story of Rose Chibambo, check out Lomathinda: Rose Chibambo Speaks. Logos Open Culture published this title in 2019, written by Timwa Lipenga. This book is available at Chambo Market bookshop in Lilongwe at Old Town Mall and FoodLovers Kanengo.
Wokomedwa Kosewera, written by Constance N Thyangathyanga and illustrated by Tiseke Nkhwazi, tells the story of Amina exploring the world and playing. And what happens when it’s time for Amina to return home?
The third story Udzudzu Umodzi Wokha explains malaria in a fun story format. What is malaria? How is is it spread? How can it be prevented? These questions are explored through the eyes of little Alinafe and the nurse who treats him. It is written by Melody Phoya and illustrated by Tiseke Nkhwazi. The book responds to a specific thematic request for the book series.
Prince Kachiwanda was the creative graphics designer who made the stories come alive on paper.
The three children’s books are part of Logos Open Culture’s new imprint for Children called African Hoopoe Books.
More books for more Malawian children in Chichewa
These 3 books are part of a project for Malawian book publishers to increase the number of children’s books in Chichewa. Through the Global Book Alliance in Action, created by USAID to support the Global Book Alliance, and implemented by Education Development Centre, the Book Publishers Association of Malawi participated in training throughout 2022 to support the creation and publication of 50 children’s books. In partnership with the Government of Malawi, the books have been distributed to schools across the country.
Logos Open Culture participated in the project in 2022.
And we are looking forward to publishing more children’s books under our imprint African Hoopoe Books.
The first books from the #Malawi Book Development workshop have been printed!
10,000 copies of 50 new Chichewa-language books, developed by local publishers, will be distributed to Malawian children and their families, and uploaded to the Global Digital Library. pic.twitter.com/ooNQCoMBJl
— Global Book Alliance (@thebookalliance) May 31, 2022
