Film critic writes book for children

Film critic and adaptation advocate, Augusta Okon, is out children’s book, entitled: The Dreamer, The Traitor and The Forgotten.

The sports-based book is hinged primarily on the game of football is a departure from the norm. It explores the world of a child as a young dreamer with the desire to shape his future and leave his footprints in the sands of

time.

The story, which is woven around Prince, nine, who has dreams of becoming a great footballer, is one of courage, hope, determination to succeed in the face of adversity and a clarion call to children never to give up on their dreams.

However, Prince’s parents initially kicks against it, preferring the highly rated profession carrying prestige and the weighty financial reward. But as events unfold, he realises there’s a traitor who is bent on pulling him down.

According to Okon, the choice of using the game of football based was on its global acceptance. “I dare say it’s the number one sport that commands a huge viewing audience both locally and Internationally. The game of Football has proven to be a powerful medium and unites people of different tribes, religion and race every time a match is played. Growing up in the 80’s, I heard of players, such as Thunder Balogun, Mathematical

Segun Odegbami, Samuel Okwaraji, Henry Nwosu, Muda Lawal, Philip Osondu, Fatai Atere, Etim Essien, Friday Ekpo, Stephen Keshi, and Nigerians were passionate about watching their local clubs play.

“Boys played street soccer, inter- house soccer and it was fun. Unfortunately, our parents kicked against a career in Sports and Entertainment and we had to choose to either be a lawyer, doctor or an engineer. Today the table has turned. Kanu Nwankwo, Austin Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, Finidi George, Victor Ikpeba, Obafemi Martins among a host of awesome Nigerian footballers made the game of football a delight to watch. Fond memories of what we experienced growing up in the 80’s are captured in the book, making it easy for children in this generation to connect with our past,  explore our world, and be inspired to be the best at what they do.”

Her previous book, The Quest For The Gem of Arubia, which was shortlisted for the 2016 ANA/Ngozi Chuma Udeh Prize for Children’s Literature was fantasy based.