Mayowa wants to stay in the city and play computer games rather than visit his grandmother in another town. But he doesn’t stay in a bad mood for long! Especially when his new friend Denuyi takes him on a tour of the neighborhood.

In Mayowa and the Masquerades, the two boys share in simple wonders: a grasshopper sits on Denuyi’s hand; they dip their hands and feet in a cool stream; they climb a tree and eat its fruit. And then, of course, they experience the vibrant sounds, sights and dance of the Masquerades, an important part of the cultural heritage of Nigeria where this picture book is set.

While some readers may be familiar with Masquerades, Denuyi makes it clear for everyone, explaining :

 “They are our ancestors. During the festival they return to our world to dance with their loved ones.”

His words are supported by the colorful illustrations that reinforce the references to Nigerian culture throughout this picture book. Brightly dressed women sell food by the roadside, the boys eat the fruits of the ye-ye tree, Mayowa’s parents load their car boot with plantain, beans, dried fish and unripe mango before their journey home.

And. . . let’s not forget Granny! Mayowa spends some beautiful, quiet moments with her as nature goes to sleep and his visit draws to a close.  

Mayowa and the Masquerades is a warm-hearted book about the simple joys of nature, discovery, family and friendship. It is also a wonderful celebration of (and introduction to) Nigerian culture, color and traditions.

Mayowa and the Masquerades
Written by Lola Shoneyin
Illustrated by Francis Blake
Cassava Republic Press, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-91317-504-7

Reviews: Youth Services Book Review, Africa Access Review

You can buy a copy of Mayowa and the Masquerades here or find it in a library, here.*

Note: This is a lightly edited version of a review that was first published in July 2017 on my (discontinued) blog Planet Picture Book.

*Book purchases made via our affiliate link may earn GLLI a small commission at no cost to you.

Laura Taylor previously posted at Planet Picture Book, a world children’s literature blog she founded in 2017. She is a small business copywriter, NAATI-certified translator of French into English and member of AUSIT. When she is not writing, she is reading and spending time with her two young children. She occasionally tweets @plapibo