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Dear Uju (A Letter to My Childhood Self)

May 11, 2022 //  by Uju//  7 Comments

Uju child B&W

Dear Uju,

I am writing to you from the future because something very exciting is about to happen. Tomorrow (my tomorrow, not yours), our first picture book will be out in bookshops. I realise this might seem like several lifetimes away but I assure you, the years will fly by faster than you know. The book is called A World for Me and You and it’s for kids around your age, although anyone can enjoy it. I wrote this book so that more children can see themselves as part of the story. I wrote this book for you, Uju. 

I remember taking this photo with Mummy and how you tried to copy her pose, resting your chin on your hand like a grownup. How you tried to imitate her smile because you thought it was the most beautiful smile in the world. You don’t realise it yet, but you inherited that smile. It will become your calling card. 

Mum
Mum at the photo shoot

In just a few years, you will be at a school far away from home, surrounded by people who don’t look like you. At times, you will feel very alone. You will spend nights under the bedcovers, escaping into books. You will dream about marmalade and ginger beer and Turkish Delight. Can I tell you something fun? In A World for Me and You, I wrote about jollof rice and okra soup. Maybe other little readers will stay up late, dreaming of what they taste like… 

I’m sure you’re not surprised that you grew up to be a writer. After all, you’re already making up poems and stories. Soon, you will produce a whole book. You will make it with staples and crayons, but it’s a good first effort. 

If I could zoom you to the future, I’d show you this amazing book we’ve created filled with beautiful drawings by an artist named Jennie Poh. I know you would read it again and again. Because you love stories. Although, for many years, most of the images in books or on TV make you feel invisible. Like you will never be the chosen one, the lovely one. Like you don’t fit in.

I want you to know, Uju, that it takes a special kind of courage to keep showing up even when you don’t feel seen. It’s also brave to keep being yourself when you’re scared of just how much you stick out. Guess what? When you get older, your sticky-outness will become your favourite thing.

Now I’ve written a book that’s all about sticky-outness. A World for Me and You is a big, bold celebration of different colours, skin tones, languages, faces and flavours. It’s about being kind to others and appreciating who you are and where you come from. 

A World for Me and You cover

The central characters are inspired by me and my sons. That’s right, we’re in a book! And yes, I’m a mum to two funny, quirky and affectionate boys. They’re big lads now, but when they were smaller, they reminded me a lot of you.

Before signing off, I’d like to say thank you, Uju, for being brave and curious. For learning to meet people where they are and filling your imagination with stories from all over. Thank you for always finding stuff to smile and laugh about. You will be a lifelong giggler. 

I really wish I could gift you this book and watch your face light up as we read it together. Sadly, time travel isn’t real yet. But don’t worry, I’ll save a copy for you.

Lots of love,

Me


A World for Me And You is out on May 12, 2022, wherever books are sold.
A World for Me and You
Dear Uju (A Letter to My Childhood Self)
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Category: Best Of, Bringing Up Race, Kids, LifeTag: A World for Me And You, bringing up race, children's books, picture book

About Uju

Uju Asika is a writer, blogger and creative consultant. She is the author of Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World (Yellow Kite/Hachette UK) and the delightful new picture book A World for Me and You, illustrated by Jennie Poh (Wren & Rook/Hachette Children's Group). Uju's books are available at Amazon, Bookshop.org, Waterstones and other good bookshops. Follow Uju @babesabouttown on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. your DIY family

    May 11, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Just beautiful. Brought a tear to my eye reading this. So emotional and well said. And such a great way to introduce this joyous book with the world. Congratulations again on your first picture book. It is wonderful. xx

  2. Konca

    May 12, 2022 at 7:33 am

    It’s so touching and so beautiful like you and I am so proud so happy for you and who going to read this book and very big congratulations you are awesome 😘😘

  3. Helen MCLEAN

    May 12, 2022 at 11:50 am

    Dear Brave heart!
    How far you have come and how strong your love roots are!
    You will write out and share your life and wisdom for many years to come Uju… (I’m sure your name must have a good meaning) When I chose Abi’s name I chose it for several reasons… a) to honour his Nigerian identity b) for its ability to be shortened for U.K. schooling and most importantly c) for its meaning. ( love has come home).

    You found each other and you have flourished and grown a wonderful family together… Salute!

  4. Uju

    May 12, 2022 at 12:01 pm

    Thank you so much Helen, I love the journey of his name through you and how we found each other too (love did come home to us). Sending love back to you x

  5. Uju

    May 12, 2022 at 12:02 pm

    Thank you darling Gonca, that’s so sweet of you to say. Hope you love the book x

  6. Uju

    May 12, 2022 at 12:03 pm

    So happy you enjoyed the book Nomita, it’s been a wonderful project to work on. Lots of love to you x

Trackbacks

  1. Uju Asika, Renowned-Speaker on Anti-Racism, Launches Children’s Picture Book, A World for Me and You (Where Everyone is Welcome) | Formidable Woman Magazine says:
    May 30, 2022 at 4:47 am

    […] I’m also crying for the little girl inside me who longed to see herself in stories. I wrote a letter to my childhood self on the day before the picture book was published. It would be amazing to go back in time and see […]

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