 First edition | |
| Author | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Joelle Avelino |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | HarperCollins Children's Books, Knopf |
Publication date | 5 September 2023 |
| Media type | Print and digital
|
| Pages | 32 |
| ISBN | 9780008550073 (HarperCollins edition) |
Mama's Sleeping Scarf is a 2023 children's picture book written by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie under the pseudonym Nwa Grace-James[a] and illustrated by Congolese-Angolan illustrator Joelle Avelino. The narrative centers on Chino, a young child who finds solace in her mother's scarf while awaiting her return.
The story unfolds as Chino, longing for her mother's presence, is comforted by the familiar scent and feel of her mother's sleeping scarf. Throughout the day, Chino engages in various activities with her grandparents and father, with the scarf serving as a source of reassurance and warmth. The book's illustrations, praised for their vibrant and fantastical backgrounds, complement the tale's tender and relatable narrative.
Adichie's decision to write a children's book was driven by a desire to document the memories of her daughter, with the character of Chino based on her.
Published as part of a three-book deal with HarperCollins Children's Books in the UK and Knopf in the US, Mama's Sleeping Scarf has been released in various formats, including hardcover, eBook, and audiobook, with a Spanish edition also available. The book's reception has been mixed, with some critics desiring more adventure and substance, while others have found it to be a cozy and lively read.
- ^ Ibeh, Chukwuebuka (7 April 2022). "Chimamanda Adichie Debuts Children's Book Under the Pseudonym Nwa Grace James". Brittle Paper. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
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