One Big Family: Sharing Life in an African Village

by Ifeoma Onyefulu (Photographer)

A little Nigerian girl describes her village, and the way it is divided into ogbo, or age groups. Each ogbo is assigned to a different task, from that of her brother which helps sweep clean the village ilo, to her grandfather's, which spreads words of wisdom to the villagers. Ifeoma Onyefulu's beautiful photographs once again capture the age-old customs of Nigerian village life.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ifeoma Onyefulu invites young readers to explore daily life in Awkuzu, Nigeria. In this non-fiction text, Onyefulu uses large colorful photographs and engaging text to educate others about life in a small African village and the importance of an ogbo, or an age group within their village.
Oneyfulu includes an author’s note stating that this text “is about sharing- about celebrating together and helping one another.” This text is a wonderful addition to any classroom as it provides information, as mentioned above, but also offers a varied perspective as it is told through the voice of a six-year-old boy, Obioma.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs and clear explanatory texts looking at ogbo (age groupings) in a village in Nigeria and the role they play in the community's life. Phonetic spellings of Igbo words. Very helpful resource for looking at a case study of rural African life or indeed looking at the concept of community.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this picture of life in a Nigerian village. Oneyefulu writes and photographs beautiful books about her homeland!

[Elizabeth]

This book is definitely informative, and reasonably engaging,