Six Books, Five Authors, One Unforgettable Celebration
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Six Books,Five Authors, One Unforgettable Celebration: A Virtual Gathering That ProvedAfrican Storytelling Is Alive and Thriving.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM WAT, book lovers, educators, librarians, and literary enthusiasts from across theglobe gathered on Zoom for something special—the ISKANCHI Book Launch, acelebration of six extraordinary new books by five talented African authors.And what a celebration it was.
A LaunchThat Started on Time (Yes, Really!)
In a delightful departure from "African time" stereotypes, participants were seated promptly, screens on, and ready to celebrate. The energy in the virtual room was palpable—a testament to the anticipation surrounding these new releases. From the first moments, it was clear: this wasn't just another book launch. This was a homecoming for stories that needed to be told.
The authors in attendance brought their full presence:
Ayo Oyeku, author of The Soot, a poignant children's story exploring environmental awareness through young Chisom's eyes
Bakang Tshegofatso Akoonyatse, the creative mind behind Lesedi's Little Light and Maatla The Magnet, heartwarming tales of friendship, resilience, and belonging
Aminta Dupuis, whose The Child from Dindefello Falls has been described as "The Little Prince of Africa"—a lyrical coming-of-age journey through Senegal's landscapes and the human heart.
While Abubakar Yusuf Ibrahim (African Folktales for the Young at Heart) and Moussa Ould Ebnou (The New Eve) were unable to attend, their books were beautifully represented, and their voices echoed through the readings and discussions.
Marybeth Timmermann: The Translator as Bridge-Builder
The keynote speaker for the event was Marybeth Timmermann, the acclaimed translator of The Child from Dindefello Falls. Timmermann's insights into the translation process offered a rare glimpse into the delicate art of carrying a story across languages without losing its soul.
As a literary translator in African literature, Timmermann spoke passionately about the responsibility of preserving cultural nuance, rhythm, and voice—especially when translating works as lyrically rich as Dupuis's novel. Her reflections reminded everyone in the virtual room that translation is not merely a technical exercise; it's an act of love, a bridge between worlds, and a form of storytelling in itself.
Each book was given its moment to shine. Authors read excerpts, shared the inspiration behind their work, and opened windows into the creative processes that birthed these stories.
One of the most memorable moments came during the discussion of The Child from Dindefello Falls. A participant, clearly moved, offered this stunning observation to Aminta Dupuis:
"I think you wrote a song rather than a book, and it's beautiful. I see this with much of Senegalese writing."
The comment captured something essential about Dupuis's work—and indeed, about much of contemporary African literature. There's a musicality, a rhythm, a cadence that runs through the prose like a river. It's storytelling that doesn't just inform; it sings. It moves. It breathes.
Dupuis's response was gracious and reflective, acknowledging the oral traditions and poetic sensibilities that shape Senegalese narrative art. It was a moment that transcended the typical author Q&A, becoming instead a meditation on culture, craft, and the ways stories carry the heartbeat of their homelands.
The Books That Stole Hearts
The Soot by Ayo Oyeku
A timely children's book that tackles environmental pollution through the eyes of young Chisom, who wonders about the dark clouds covering her Nigerian town. Perfect for early readers and classroom discussions on environmental justice and climate awareness.
Lesedi's Little Light and Maatla The Magnet by Bakang Tshegofatso Akoonyatse
Two beautifully illustrated picture books exploring themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and resilience. Maatla The Magnet tells the touching story of a lonely magnet searching for connection—a perfect metaphor for childhood belonging.
The Child from Dindefello Falls by Aminta Dupuis
A lyrical coming-of-age novel following young Sonlio's transformative journey across Senegal after his mother's mysterious death. Blending magical realism with urgent social commentary, this is African literature at its most luminous.
African Folktales for the Young at Heart by Abubakar Yusuf Ibrahim
Twenty captivating Hausa tales filled with wit, wisdom, and wonder. From clever spiders to wise princesses, these stories preserve oral traditions while teaching timeless lessons about loyalty, patience, and cleverness.
The New Eve by Moussa Ould Ebnou
A bold speculative fiction novel set in a dystopian future where love is criminalized and reproduction mechanized. A provocative exploration of gender, identity, and resistance.
Questions, Comments, and Community
The Q&A session was rich with engagement. Participants asked about writing processes, translation challenges, the role of African publishers in global literature, and how to get these books into schools and libraries.
Educators expressed excitement about using The Soot and African Folktales in their classrooms. Librarians inquired about bulk orders. Parents wanted to know where to find Maatla The Magnet for their young readers struggling with friendship issues.
It was a reminder that books aren't just products—they're tools for connection, healing, education, and transformation.
The ISKANCHI Book Launch wasn't just about celebrating new releases. It was about visibility. Representation. The insistence that African stories—told by African voices—deserve space on global bookshelves.
Independent presses like ISKANCHI Press are doing the essential work of amplifying diverse voices, publishing stories that mainstream publishers often overlook, and creating pathways for African authors to reach readers worldwide.
From children's picture books to speculative fiction, from folktales to literary novels, these six books represent the breadth and depth of contemporary African storytelling. They challenge stereotypes, celebrate cultural heritage, and offer fresh perspectives on universal human experiences.
Whether you're building a diverse home library, curating inclusive classroom collections, or simply a book lover hungry for fresh voices—these titles deserve a place on your shelf.
Ready to dive in?
👉 Visit the ISKANCHI Press website to browse the full catalog and order your copies: www.iskanchipress.com
👉 Follow @IskanchiPress on Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Bluesky for author interviews, reading guides, and upcoming releases
👉 Request these titles at your local library or independent bookstore
👉 Share this post with educators, parents, librarians, and fellow book lovers
For bulk orders, classroom sets, or library inquiries, contact: info@iskanchi.com
The stories are here. The authors have spoken. Now it's your turn to read.
Shop the ISKANCHI Book Launch collection today.
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