Drumming Up a Revolution: Vickie Remoe’s Pikin Books Transforms Children’s Literature

In a world increasingly connected yet often culturally homogenous, one author is on a mission to ensure that African children see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Vickie Remoe, the dynamic entrepreneur, media personality, and now celebrated children’s author, is leading this charge with her independent imprint, Pikin Books. Her latest offering, “Bundu and the Dundun,” launching June 16th to coincide with the Day of the African Child, isn’t just a charming tale; it’s a vibrant phonics lesson steeped in the rich dance and drumming traditions of Sierra Leonean masquerades.

Remoe’s journey into children’s literature is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Her books, including “Adama Loves Akara” (2021) and “Print for Ami” (2022), stem from a desire to fill a gaping void in the market: culturally relevant educational materials for African children. “When preparing my son for preschool, I found that available books, mostly from the US, didn’t resonate with his reality,” Remoe explains. “I wanted to create books that not only teach fundamental literacy skills but also showcase and highlight African, specifically Sierra Leonean, culture.”

Front cover of Bundu and the Dundun

The inspiration behind “Bundu and the Dundun” is particularly poignant. It blossomed from a transformative experience during a road trip in November 2019 for her revamped “The Vickie Remoe Show.” While exploring Moyamba, Remoe encountered a mesmerizing traditional dance performance featuring young boys. This encounter shattered her ingrained fears of masquerades, a fear she attributes to colonial influences that often demonized traditional African practices. “For much of my life, growing up in the city, masks and masquerades were associated with fear due to colonial influences that labeled our traditional practices as ‘devilish’,” she recounts. “Witnessing the natural grace and agility of those young dancers in Moyamba was truly transformative. It inspired me to write a story that introduces children to this beautiful culture in a positive and engaging way.”

“Bundu and the Dundun” is more than just a story about drums and dance; it’s a cleverly crafted tool for teaching vowel sounds, specifically the letter “u.” Each book in Remoe’s series acts as a “conversation starter,” encouraging parents and educators to discuss cultural elements like traditional attire and local music with young readers. This innovative approach makes learning both accessible and deeply rooted in a child’s heritage.

Bringing the vibrant world of Sierra Leone to life on the page required a special touch. Remoe collaborated with talented British Sierra Leonean illustrator Eugene Kaitell, whose rich and dynamic illustrations transport readers directly into the heart of Sierra Leonean landscapes and cultural scenes. Kaitell’s work, guided by Remoe’s extensive TV show footage and travel photographs, ensures an authentic and immersive visual experience.

The impact of Pikin Books is already being felt. Remoe recently had the joy of reading “Bundu and the Dundun” to children in Freetown, an experience made even more special by the presence of Joe Lappia from the Sierra Leone National Dance Troupe. Lappia played the authentic sounds from the book, inspiring the children to dance and engage playfully with the story. These moments underscore the power of culturally relevant literature to connect, educate, and empower young minds.

As a dedicated working mom and entrepreneur, Vickie Remoe’s commitment to her mission remains unwavering. “I’ll continue this journey until I’ve covered all five vowels,” she affirms, with book four, focusing on the ‘oh’ sound, already in the illustration phase. Her dedication is fueled by the rewarding feedback she receives. “The most rewarding part of this process is hearing from parents whose children connect with the stories and develop a deeper appreciation for their heritage,” she shares.

Vickie Remoe with a copy of Bundu and the Dundun

In a literary landscape often dominated by Western narratives, Vickie Remoe’s Pikin Books is a beacon of cultural celebration and educational innovation. Through engaging stories like “Bundu and the Dundun,” she is not only teaching children to read but also helping them to embrace and cherish their own vibrant identity. This is more than just a book launch; it’s a quiet revolution, drumming up a brighter, more inclusive future for children’s literature, one authentic African story at a time.

Bundu and the Dundu is out now on Amazon. Vickie Remoe who is based in Montgomery Village in Maryland is available for speaking engagements, to read aloud at library, schools, community centers.