Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls

Tola lives in Lagos, Nigeria, she is the smallest in her family, so she is known as Too Small Tola. But this does not stop her from being mighty – whether it is stepping up to help earn some money when Grandmummy is ill, sorting the gravel from their rice so it is ready to cook – or just not making a fuss when her dreams of ruffles on a dress will never be fulfilled.
This is the second collection of stories built round Tola and her family in Lagos; it is a delight. Atinuke is a storyteller herself and these are stories that demand to be read aloud. They are just the right length, full of atmosphere, built round situations that arise out of Tola’s everyday. While carrying the shopping on your head may not be the norm for some, nevertheless carrying shopping is a universal task- and Tola’s feelings will strike a chord. Older brothers and sisters do not differ wherever they may live; irritating would be Tola’s opinion echoed by many others – and yet they are family. Nor do the stories need to be read in a particular order – Atinuke (good narrator that she is) ensures that just enough background is included in each to introduce Tola, her family and her home; again ideal for that moment when a storytime is in order. The Nigerian background is vibrant and real, bringing to life another country and city, perhaps opening a door to family stories and showing that people do not differ so much wherever they live. Onyinye Iwu’s illustrations are a further delight, adding an characterful visual element whether as a full page or as a lively vignette. Tola’s beaming smile is one the reader will remember and recognise. This is a partnership, that I hope, will continue.