New Children’s Book by Chidinma Ifunanyachi Explores the Power of Names
Actress and writer Chidinma Ifunanyachi has released a children’s book, The Importance of Names, aimed at helping young readers understand the significance of names and cultural identity.
Growing up in Camberwell, Ifunanyachi was given the legal first name Cheryl by her British-Nigerian parents, who were concerned about bullying and discrimination. While her family called her Chidinma, her given name on official documents was different. Her experience of balancing two identities shaped her understanding of the importance of names and inspired her to write the book.
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“This is something many children still experience today,” Ifunanyachi said. “Names hold meaning, and it is important that they are pronounced correctly and respected.”
The Importance of Names follows a young child who struggles with their name being altered by teachers and classmates. Through their journey, they discover the value of embracing their real name and heritage. The book is designed for children aged 4-10 and serves as a resource for parents and educators to discuss cultural pride and identity.
Ifunanyachi hopes the book will encourage children to take pride in their names and for adults to respect and learn their proper pronunciation. The Importance of Names is now available on Amazon online.
