Essex Mum releases children’s book about self esteem inspired by her daughter

17 Oct Essex Mum releases children’s book about self esteem inspired by her daughter

An Essex mum’s children’s book about self love and self esteem featuring diverse characters inspired by her two-year-old daughter, will help underprivileged children in Africa who can’t read or write.

The book, Who Do I See in the Mirror?, chronicles the adventures of Philly, a black girl with curly hair as she explores her body and realises what makes her special.

Vese Aghoghovbia ‘Wolu, age, 31 from Buckhurst Hill, wrote the book when her daughter whose nickname is Philly, was 12 months old, as she couldn’t find many black characters in children’s books that Philly could relate to.

Now the author has joined forces with a charity to sponsor a book for every copy sold.

Through a unique partnership with Books2Africa, her book is supporting literacy and education in the poor parts of Africa, where some children cannot read or write after finishing school due to lack of books.

Vese explains, “Not too long ago, I met a 32 year old lady who was unable to read and write despite having gone to school. My parents helped her learn to read and write by sponsoring her literacy lessons. This is a huge problem because education is a vital tool for alleviating poverty. Those who can read and write stand a better chance of winning the fight against poverty. With books, they can imagine beyond their immediate surrounding and dream big into action.”

Her book which is sold on Amazon, Waterstones.co.uk and other retailers has a very important message for Black and Minority Ethnic children – ‘love the skin you’re in. It’s what you are on the inside that matters most’.

Vese says: “Representation matters a lot. I was struggling to find characters who looked like Philly in books and I wanted my daughter to grow up reading books that featured people who looked like her.”
“That’s how the idea came to create a book with diverse children’s character she – and kids everywhere – can love and identify with. One who is strong, confident and happy, goes on adventures, as curious as George, laughs from within and loves wholeheartedly with tight hugs and lots of kisses.”