Bouba and Zaza: Childhood Cultures - An Intergenerational African Series of Children’s Books

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s regional office in Dakar, Senegal, are launching “Childhood Cultures”, an intergenerational African series of children’s books. Through the experiences of the main characters, Bouba and Zaza, the series seeks to develop life and socialisation skills outside the family context among children aged 3 to 8 and is also appropriate for older children, parents, and teachers.

The series covers topical subjects affecting the lives of African families that parents are sometimes reluctant to address. These include topics such as war and conflict, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the issue of water resources, and environmental protection. The books are designed to help children debate these problems. The books are aimed to develop their sense of responsibility and their ideas of justice, of “good” and “bad”, and improve their communication skills and their proficiency with oral and written language. For educators, “Bouba and Zaza” is a resource for teaching life skills and a tool to support the structuring and use of language.

For older children (9 to 15 years of age), the “Childhood Cultures” series is a tool for consolidating their knowledge and applying their acquired reading and comprehension skills, as well as their ability to pass on information to younger children. For parents, grandparents and the community, the “Bouba and Zaza” series is intended to form a bridge between school, family, and the local environment. The books facilitate dialogue and discussion of current topics that are important but sensitive.


“Childhood Cultures” will initially be published in English, French, Portuguese, and Kiswahili.