DigeeBooks

Three delightful tales from a renowned Nigerian storyteller introduce a chapter-book heroine who is every bit as mighty as she is small.In a trio of droll stories, award-winning author and storyteller Atinuke debuts an endearing and enduring character with plenty to prove. Tola lives in an apartment in the busy city of Lagos, Nigeria, with her sister, Moji, who is very clever; her brother, Dapo, who is very fast; and Grandmommy, who is very bossy. Tola may be small, but she’s strong enough to carry a basket brimming with groceries home from the market, and she’s clever enough to count out Grandmommy’s change. When the faucets in the apartment break, it’s Tola who brings water from the well. And when Mr. Abdul, the tailor, has an accident and needs help taking his customers’ measurements, only Tola can save the day. Atinuke’s trademark wit and charm are on full display, accompanied by delightful illustrations by Onyinye Iwu. Too Small Tola evokes the urban bustle and rich blending of cultures in Lagos through the eyes of a little girl with an outsize will—and an even bigger heart.

In the vibrant village of Irele, nestled amidst emerald hills and azure skies, lived a remarkable boy named Tola. Tola was not like the other children in the village. He was exceptionally tiny, earning him the affectionate nickname "Too Small Tola." Despite his diminutive stature, Tola possessed an indomitable spirit and an unwavering determination to make his mark on the world.

From sunrise to sunset, Tola could be found exploring the nooks and crannies of Irele, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and his heart brimming with joy. He loved nothing more than spinning tales and embarking on imaginary adventures, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with his vivid imagination.

However, life in Irele was not without its challenges, especially for someone as small as Tola. He often faced ridicule and mockery from his peers, who saw his size as a limitation rather than a unique attribute. Undeterred, Tola resolved to prove them wrong. He dedicated himself to becoming the best version of himself, regardless of his physical stature.

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Tola embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. He honed his skills, nurtured his talents, and steadfastly pursued his dreams. He learned to harness the power of his imagination and creativity, using them as tools to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.

Along the way, Tola encountered a cast of colorful characters who taught him valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of believing in oneself. From the wise old storyteller Baba Keke to the mischievous monkey Akara, each encounter shaped Tola's understanding of the world and his place in it.

Through his unwavering determination and infectious optimism, Tola gradually began to change the perceptions of those around him. He demonstrated that size is not a measure of one's worth or potential. Instead, it is the strength of one's character, the depth of one's compassion, and the unwavering belief in oneself that truly matter.

As Tola's reputation grew, so did his influence. He became an inspiration to the children of Irele, showing them that anything is possible if they dared to dream big and never gave up on themselves. He taught them the value of kindness, acceptance, and the boundless power of imagination.

In the end, Tola's legacy extended far beyond the borders of Irele. His story spread like wildfire, igniting hope and determination in the hearts of countless children around the world. "Too Small Tola" became a timeless tale, a reminder that true greatness knows no bounds and that even the smallest person can make a significant difference in the world.