Growing up in Nigeria, many of us were blessed with colorful storybooks that shaped our imagination and made reading exciting. From folk tales to moral lessons, these stories were part of our primary school days — stories that made us laugh, think, and sometimes even cry.
Today, whenever I see an old Facebook or Instagram post about these books, a wave of nostalgia hits me hard. It’s almost like being transported back to those carefree days when all that mattered was story time in school or curling up with a book on a rainy afternoon.
Unfortunately, like many kids back then, I wasn’t the best at keeping books safe. Pages tore, covers went missing, and somewhere along the way, I lost most of those treasured storybooks. Oh, how I miss those days!
Edet Lives in Calabar: The Classic Stories We Loved
There were so many unforgettable titles, but here are some that always bring back the sweetest memories:
- Nene’s Wedding – A heartwarming tale of love, family, and celebration.
- The Traveler Who Had Two Bags – He carried one bag of yams and another of clothes — a story with humor and a hidden lesson.
- The Tortoise Stories – Who didn’t grow up hearing about the mischievous tortoise and his clever tricks?
- It’s Christmas Day and They Are Cooking Rice – I can’t even remember the exact title, but I’ll never forget the excitement of reading this during the holidays.
- Edet Lives in Calabar – My absolute favorite! It painted such a vivid picture of life in Calabar that I could almost smell the riverside breeze and taste the fresh palm oil soup.
- How Edet Sang “Rain, Rain Go Away” – Poor Edet just wanted to play football, but the rain only got heavier. We all sang along, hoping the sun would come out!
Why “Edet Lives in Calabar” Stands Out
Among all these stories, “Edet Lives in Calabar” holds a special place in my heart. It wasn’t just a story — it was an experience.
The book brought Calabar to life in a way that made every child want to visit. From descriptions of the lush greenery, the rich Efik culture, and Edet’s playful adventures, it created a connection — even for those of us who had never been there.
Reading it made us curious about other Nigerian cities, their people, and their way of life. For many of us, it was our first introduction to the idea that every place has its own unique story.
Searching for the Lost Storybooks
Now, as adults, many of us long to hold those books again — to flip through the pages, smell that old paper scent, and relive those moments.
Unfortunately, finding books like Edet Lives in Calabar has become a treasure hunt. They’re no longer widely printed, and many copies have been lost to time.
If you still have this book (or know someone who does and is willing to sell), please DM me — let’s discuss. It would mean so much to reconnect with that little piece of my childhood.
Do You Remember These Stories Too?
I’ve shared my favorites — but what about you?
Which of these titles do you remember most?
Did you also sing “Rain, Rain Go Away” with Edet?
What’s the one childhood book you wish you could hold again?
Conclusion
Stories like Edet Lives in Calabar weren’t just books — they were a window into a magical world that shaped how we saw life, culture, and even ourselves.
If you grew up reading these gems, you know exactly how special they were. Maybe it’s time we all started collecting and preserving these treasures for the next generation.
So tell me — what’s YOUR favorite Nigerian childhood storybook?
