UK-Sudanese author Zeinab Badawi takes African history to younger readers with new children’s book

London, September 17 — Renowned journalist and author Zeinab Badawi, whose works on African history have sold over 110,000 copies, is expanding her influence to younger readers with an upcoming children's version of her book. Born in Sudan and raised in England, Badawi has been a prominent broadcaster for Channel 4 News and the BBC.

Her previous book, An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence, was published in 2024. Now, she is working on a children's adaptation called Africa: History and Heroes. This new book will present African history from the rise of powerful kingdoms and trading centers to the continent's path towards independence in a more engaging manner for young readers through vivid illustrations.

Badawi emphasizes the importance of introducing children to African history at an early age to help them understand its significance in the global narrative. She hopes to dispel the myth that Africa lacks history, which she attributes to European-centric perspectives. During her research, which involved traveling to about 30 African countries and engaging with historians, anthropologists, and experts on African culture, she aimed to correct the widespread ignorance surrounding African history.

The author notes that history books often lack an African perspective, which she experienced firsthand while searching for such resources. She believes the new book will fill this gap, providing a comprehensive overview of African history. Additionally, Badawi welcomes the recent United Nations decision to adopt a more accurate world map, which will correct the historical distortion of Africa's size and its representation in global maps.