Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is set to release her first picture book, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf, under the pen name Nwa Grace James, in tribute to her late parents James and Grace Adichie. 

In a video shared on her verified Instagram page, she expressed how delighted she is writing her first children’s book, which celebrates the joy in ordinary family life.

The book will be published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in the UK and Alfred A. Knopf in the US, and is slated to hit shelves on September 5, 2023.

Mama’s Sleeping Scarf is a captivating celebration of ordinary family life, inspired by the Adichie family’s experiences. 

The story follows a young girl named Chino as she navigates a typical day in Lagos, playing with her mother’s sleeping scarf, encountering her grandfather on his daily walk, and settling in for the night. 

Congolese Angolan artist Joelle Avelino brings the book’s vivid illustrations to life, further immersing readers in Chino’s world.

Through Mama’s Sleeping Scarf, Adichie offers a poignant reminder of the beauty and wonder in everyday life, inviting readers to find joy in the simple pleasures of family and community. 

The book promises to be a heartwarming addition to the literary world and a testament to the power of storytelling to connect us all.