By Damiete Braide
Jumoke Verissimo, a celebrated Nigerian author, has found herself in the spotlight once again, as her book Grandma and the Moon’s Hidden Secret was longlisted for the prestigious NLNG Prize for Literature.
This recognition places her among the top 11 writers competing for one of Nigeria’s most esteemed literary awards. For Verissimo, this acknowledgment is more than just a professional milestone; it is a deeply personal achievement that reflects her passion for storytelling and her dedication to capturing the essence of childhood wonder and wisdom.
Verissimo expresses her gratitude for being recognized alongside other brilliant writers. She describes the experience as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it serves as a powerful motivator to continue exploring new depths in her writing.
“Being longlisted for the NLNG Prize is an immense honor,” she says. “It’s humbling to be considered among such talented writers. Personally, it serves as inspiration to keep exploring new depths in my writing and as validation of my love for crafting stories.”
Her journey to creating Grandma and the Moon’s Hidden Secret is as captivating as the book itself. The story was born from Verissimo’s desire to tap into the boundless imagination of children while also exploring how wisdom is imparted across generations. She firmly believes that a child should be allowed to revel in the joys of childhood, even as they learn important life lessons. This belief guided her in crafting a narrative that balances playful storytelling with meaningful content, using imagination as a vehicle to deliver important messages without being overly instructive.
“I wanted to create a world familiar to children, filled with elements they could relate to—their bond with grandmothers, school life, community, family dynamics, and their imaginative ways of understanding the world,” Verissimo explains.
The story reflects her understanding of children’s incredible imaginations, which she views as a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of life. She recalls a personal anecdote where her daughter, in a bid to avoid getting ready for school, declared herself invisible.
This humorous yet insightful moment highlighted for Verissimo the importance of routines, such as early bedtimes, while also showcasing the creativity that children naturally possess.
The story of Grandma and the Moon’s Hidden Secret is not just about imagination; it also delves into deeper themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. Verissimo was particularly inspired by the tender interactions she observed between her daughter and her grandmother.
These moments of connection, she believes, hold indescribable beauty and significance. The book addresses the loss of a beloved grandmother, a sensitive topic that Verissimo approached with great care.
She aimed to create a narrative that respects a child’s understanding of loss while celebrating the strong family bonds that help children cope with such experiences.
“The concept of Grandma living on the moon offers a comforting and imaginative perspective on loss,” Verissimo says. “While the book is deeply rooted in Nigerian culture, its universal themes of love, loss, and hope make it relatable to audiences worldwide.” This universality is a key aspect of her work, as she seeks to offer comfort and solace to young readers while also resonating with adults who have experienced similar losses.
Verissimo’s nomination for the NLNG Prize is not just a personal triumph; it is also a testament to the impact that literary awards can have on the careers of Nigerian authors. She acknowledges the significance of such recognition, noting that it can open doors to international opportunities, attract literary agents, and lead to book deals.
“These kinds of recognition can lead to international opportunities, literary agents, and book deals,” she notes. “Beyond that, they inspire and motivate aspiring writers, building the author’s credibility and reputation, drawing in a larger readership and creating a healthy competitive environment that drives literary excellence.”
The NLNG Prize for Literature, according to Verissimo, plays a crucial role in elevating the status of Nigerian literature on the global stage. By honoring and rewarding literary excellence, the prize fosters a thriving literary community and encourages writers to explore diverse themes and perspectives.
“I believe that by honouring and rewarding literary excellence, the prize inspires and continues to uplift writers of different generations,” she observes.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the NLNG Prize, Verissimo underscores its importance in promoting the diversity of Nigerian narratives. The prize, she explains, provides a platform for a wide range of voices and stories, helping to preserve and celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“The NLNG Prize has consistently served as a significant platform for highlighting the diversity of Nigerian narratives,” she says. “It encourages exploration of a wide range of themes, from urban experiences to rural realities, historical fiction to current challenges.”
For Verissimo, the recognition of Grandma and the Moon’s Hidden Secret by the NLNG Prize is particularly gratifying. It validates her initial goal of creating an exceptional book for children —one that resonates with readers of all ages while preserving the essence of childhood imagination and wonder. As she continues to write, Verissimo remains committed to crafting stories that not only entertain but also offer meaningful insights into the human experience, ensuring that her work will inspire and comfort readers for generations to come.
