Growing up, I had a “colourful” life. Of course, that depends on how you define colourful, but I think I can safely say that about my childhood.

I had a father whose life revolved around books, both reading and writing them. So, besides having books as permanent residents in our home, I also got to attend some pretty cool events. And that, for me, is another part of what made my childhood colourful.

I started attending book launches at a young age, whether they were my father’s or those of his colleagues in the literary world. I have been in rooms with the likes of Yvonne Vera, although I was too young to understand the greatness of the people I was sharing space with.

I also experienced the Zimbabwe International Book Fair when it was still vibrant and very much theeee literary event. I particularly remember the children’s reading corner, which I grew up associating with uMama uSibongile Mnkandla. I cannot say for certain whether she ran it, but she is the face I remember when I think about that part of ZIBF.

The Zimbabwean literary landscape has changed, and it is not quite the environment I grew up in. But WE are trying. And I say WE because I am also playing my small part in keeping literature alive. I have published a few books, and those count, okay? 😂

There are people doing incredible work, too. Audrey Chirenje (award winner by the way) through Chances Inc continues to make strides as an author and publisher, Lifeline Narrative is helping get books into readers’ hands through online distribution, and many others are finding ways to keep our stories alive. My own father left this world having played his part.

So, when I came across an invitation to a children’s book launch this past Monday, I was genuinely excited.

First, these are my kind of events. Anything arts, literary, theatre, live performances and and and…call me, and I will come running.

Secondly, I am a mother now, and I was excited about introducing my son to this side of the world. I honestly have no idea what he is into beyond playing, so I will keep exposing him to the different little worlds that make up the big one until he finds his own. An appreciation for other things will do him some good, right?

Besides, I am also working on a children’s book of my own. 🙈

Anyway, the launch was a small, beautifully curated event, and I loved the intimacy of it. I officially meet the author, Ms Tinotenda Masenda Bimha, a well-spoken lady who shared the story behind her book, The Adventures of Tawana.

She spoke about how the idea came about, her writing process and how the book is an effort to honour her late daughter. There is something deeply moving about turning love and memory into something that can live on and touch other people.

During the question-and-answer session, I asked her what feeling she wanted readers to walk away with after reading the book. Her answer? “That they too, matter.”

And I loved that. There is something powerful about children encountering stories that remind them they are seen, that their feelings count and that they have a place in this world.

As a writer, I found the conversation particularly interesting. As a mother, it made me think about the kinds of stories I want my son to grow up with. And as someone working on a children’s book, it was a lovely reminder of the thought and intention that go into writing for these little people.

I left having learnt something, made new connections and enjoyed two hours in a space that felt completely my kind of thing. It was the most perfect two hours of my Monday.

We need to keep showing up for Zimbabwean literature. Attend the launches, buy the books, recommend local authors and introduce children to stories beyond their school reading lists. Every book published is another story that gets to exist in the world, and that counts for something.

As for me, I am grateful that I get to experience these spaces differently now. I am no longer just the little girl accompanying her father to book launches. I am also a published author, a mother raising a little reader and someone finding her own place in Zimbabwe’s literary story.

You can get The Adventures of Tawana by Tinotenda Masenda Bimha from Bhukustore and I’m sure many other places.

With the gifting season approaching, consider buying a book for your children, nieces, nephews and godchildren. It is a lovely way to introduce a little one to the world of stories while supporting a local author.

Don’t say I didn’t plug you!!!

Love & light 🧡