I want all young people to know they're unique, says Cork author of new children's book

Temitope Ogwu feels positive about her new home in Ireland, having arrived here last year from Nigeria. She is also enthusiastic about contributing to Irish life by helping children.

Towards this end, Ogwu’s new book Imole, the Child of Light will launch on August 10 in the Maldron Hotel, South Mall.

This is more than just a book, she explains; it is a narrative that follows a seven-year-old girl named Imole as she navigates life’s challenges using her inner light of kindness.

It aims to inspire children to believe in themselves and to understand the importance of moral values in shaping their futures.

A Child’s Uniqueness

The writer has interesting observations about children in Ireland.

“The kids are not as confident here. A lot of them are not confident about their uniqueness. There is a difference between being quiet and respectful and being confident.”

Temitope wants all young people to know they are unique.

“I believe that if everyone shares their light uniquely, the world will be better. We should not want to live our lives the way other people do and in this, social media is not helping. Young people see people online and want to be like them. They can’t be like them. They are unique. Their style is unique. They are quieting themselves, and meanwhile other voices are getting louder. When they grow up, they become lost.

“If you know who you are from a young age, your experiences are different, your eye on the world, your vision, all of it is different. We come together then, like a puzzle solved. Young people must be content with who they are.”

Imole, a Nigerian word, means the child of light.

“Imole shines so brightly. She is bold, but oblivious to the fact that she is different. Excelling in her academics, she must come to terms with her uniqueness.

This is a story, explains the author, of what many children go through.

“Children can be very naughty. In this new age of neurodivergence, Imola is not on the spectrum but is the smartest child, and that makes her stand out from her friends. She tells her mum in the story that she is being made fun of for getting all the answers right.”

Guiding Children

The guiding role of the adult is highly significant in the text.

“Life is hard to navigate. The mother talks Imola through what is happening. She reminds her why she is named Imola. She is a light – a shining light in the world.

“The trick she must learn is to burn, so that people can recognise you more, the mother explains. It doesn’t mean you stop shining or become something else. The mother reminds Imola that she is like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

Temitope describes the book as a positive story for young people.

“Imola decides to keep shining. Her mother instils strength in her. Her mother also talks about bullying, self-identity and acts of kindness. This is an important part of the book, where it looks at the bullies. People often retreat from bullies, but we can show God’s love to bullies too.”

Temitope believes that kindness and self-awareness are the best responses to bullying.

“Growing up, I experienced isolation because I was different, but I stayed true to myself. Nowadays, I still speak to the people who made life hard for me. We are not friends, but we know each other at a conversational level, and now they tell me I am inspirational. If I had shut that door, there would have been no space for reflection and communication.”

Temitope is excited for the launch of the book.

“The book is set in Ireland. The cover and illustrations by my collaborator Onyinyechi Chima-Nwogwugwu depict children from different backgrounds because I want all children to see themselves in it.”

The vivacious writer is also motivated to write more.

“I’m hoping to build a series. I hope to touch more on different characters in the story.”

Temitope feels it is an ideal companion for a four-to seven-year-old child, someone new to school who needs to know to treat everybody with kindness.

Working with Children

In 2020, Temitope founded the Cedar Tribe Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at breaking poverty cycles and providing vulnerable young adults with tools for success.

Her lifestyle brand, The Light Manifesto, reflects her vision for intentional living, offering resources like books, stationery, life kits, and workshops to inspire and support personal and professional development.

Beyond this background, she also played a significant role in bringing up her two younger sisters, who are now aged 11 and 18.

“My sisters inspired most of my journey. I created a children’s affirmation book for them years ago, particularly to help one sister when she started primary school. I wanted to give her positive words because I wasn’t with her all the time. Then I created a teenager’s devotional book.

“This book is all about instilling values that guarantee success. My own journey started with writing newsletters to my sisters. I was lucky to have had amazing mentors as a teenager.

“I want to show younger people the way now, along the path I know.”

Living with Purpose

Temitope is most motivated by guiding young people towards living a purposeful life.

“Some people exist and never really live, you see. We must aspire to live intentionally. ‘Intentionally’ is about taking steps, and living the life you desire. It is not acceptable to wait for life to happen. You must take a role in mapping out your life.

“That includes finding out your responsibilities. And getting ready for your responsibilities.”

Temitope volunteers in her local church where she promotes this message but living a purposeful life does not require any religious belief, she suggests.

“Even if you don’t believe in a religion, you can still live purposefully. This idea transcends religion and culture. We all have a purpose,” she said.

An Open Door

Temitope emphasises that the launch and the book itself are for everyone, for people of all different persuasions and cultures and beliefs.

“We are going to do a panel at the event with four parents who will chat about their experiences, coming from very different perspectives. What connects them is that they have raised their children in a value-based way,” she said.

There will also be a puppet show enforcing kindness and uniqueness, and polaroids will be taken of families to mark the occasion. The book will be available to buy alongside other resources.

According to the writer, it will be a “welcoming environment for people to network and be authentic.”

“I love connecting with other people and bringing people together. I love to see communities thriving,” she added.

Temitope is also delighted to be launching her self-published book here, in Cork city.

“I love Cork. There is so much wisdom on the streets of Cork. So many elderly people you can learn from in the shops and around, who are so happy to give you suggestions.

“I love wandering around my neighbourhood. You find new stores and business owners who are happy to chat to you and give you recommendations. They are honest and friendly. Cork feels like home.”

For tickets to the book launch see https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/imole-the-child-of-light-book-launch-tickets-932805354927