Ruyi's World of Books & Stories

  Ogaba and the enchanted cave Ogaba and the Enchanted Cave is a quite easy-to-read yet elegant prose targeted for pre-teens and early teenagers. The vocabulary is concise, adequate and fitting for that demographic. Perhaps what is more endearing about the text is its capacity to weave timeless human values into the narrative while placing premium on them. Values such as hardwork, cleanliness, politeness, cheerfulness, wisdom, and the like are rewarded when being practiced especially by children. For example, Ogaba’s cleanliness and wisdom fetches him liberty from the Ojujus. Worthy of note is the environmental consciousness of the writer who brings to the fore the geography, flora, and fauna typically obtainable in the middle belt of Nigeria such as the great Benue River, the Cattle and nomads, as well as the vegetation of the place. His love for plants, especially flowers comes out more vividly. The writer himself is not new to the craft of children’s literature. In fact, he ...

I went into the printing press and I have to tell you that it was the best press I have ever seen in my life. It was beautiful. There were customers. There was help on the floor. One of the staff approached me. He greeted, “Good evening sir.” Smile paraded his face.  “Good evening, young man,” I replied, beaming with confidence. “Where is your boss? I came for my books. Are they ready?” He shifted his weight to one leg. He smiled, and threw out a question, “Are you Mr. Robert?” “Yes!” I nodded affirmatively. “My boss is not in the office but he left a note for you!” He handed the letter over to me and moved to one side. Without wasting time, I browsed through the piece. In a couple of minutes, I was done. I let go a mighty heave, raised my head and turned to the young man. “Thank you, I got the message. Where are the books?” “They are over there,” he pointed to a corner in the press. “Please, follow me.” We walked to the corner where the books were neatly packed.   I cons...