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Segilola Salami

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Yetunde: An Ode to My mother Kindle Edition

by Segilola Salami (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

56 ratings

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Death is wicked . . .

Follow Yetunde as she narrates her mother's ode to her grandmother. It is the Yoruba praise poetry for a mother known as Oriki Iya

This is a short story dedicated to past, present and future mothers.

A perfect mother's day present

The book is mostly in English and any Yoruba words are translated, so everyone can enjoy the book fully

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is all about mothers and I have to say, it had me on the brink of tears." https: //www.goodreads.com/review/show/1638854940?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1 "Mothers are priceless jewels and this book has made me remember the worth of my mother and what she has done and is still doing on my behalf: )" https: //www.goodreads.com/review/show/1626810977?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1 "It was incredibly interesting and thoughtful in the way it was written." https: //www.goodreads.com/review/show/1625897412?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

About the Author

Segilola Salami is mom to a beautiful little girl and writes bilingual Yoruba English children's books. She is the host of top podcast The Segilola Salami Show and is also a Self Publishing strategist. She helps aspiring authors navigate the minefield that is self publishing. Segilola attends festivals and events doing readings from her books or other suitable activities

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B019Y93BL2
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Segilola Publishing
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 6, 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 28 pages
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Customer Reviews:
56 ratings

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Segilola Salami

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Segilola Salami thinks of herself as a mom (to the most beautiful little girl) first then an author (of bilingual Yoruba English children's books), host of The Segilola Salami Show and a Self Publishing strategist (helping aspiring authors navigate the minefield that is self publishing).

Segilola is working on a novella in a different genre for adults under the name Elizabeth Salawu. It's called Abiku: A Battle Of Gods and it is a MUST read. You can find out more about it here http://www.segilolasalami.co.uk/abiku-a-battle-of-gods/

Customer reviews

56 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking and appreciate its poetic language, with one review noting it's a bilingual folktale. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer describing it as a great read-aloud picture book, while another mentions it's perfect for a quiet morning or afternoon. Additionally, customers find it sweet and heartwarming, with one review highlighting how it strengthens the bond between mother and daughter, and another noting it's good for younger audiences.

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Thought provoking Language Narrator Heartwarming Sweetness Readability Audience Story length

8 customers mention "Thought provoking"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and insightful, with one customer noting it is told from the perspective of Yetunde and touches on many important themes.

"...narrated from a child's point of view, but at the same time, offering so much insight, wisdom and emotion...." Read more

"...For such a short story, it touches many important themes and handles them well. The most important one is clearly motherhood...." Read more

"...This book is an amazing work. Its not just about mom but its about family and heritage...." Read more

"Here is a book that is immediately captivating for its delight. One expects this is a baby's story about her mother and in honor of her mother...." Read more

7 customers mention "Language"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the language of the book, describing it as poetic and beautiful, with one customer noting its bilingual format and another highlighting its cultural content.

"...There's a story there, but also lessons in ethics and cultural significance and similarities...." Read more

"...’ strength, the loss of a loved one, cultural identity, and Yoruba folktale. A perfect read for a quiet morning or afternoon...." Read more

"...The author’s voice is caring, sympathetic, and eager to share Nigerian culture with its readers...." Read more

"...She is sad at the loss of her own mother, Yetunde's grandmother. Poetic and heart-wrenching Yetunde's mother recounts stories of life, some of..." Read more

6 customers mention "Narrator"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the narrator of the book, with one review highlighting how it captures emotions beautifully and another noting its delightful nine-month-old perspective.

"I thought it was interesting in that it's being narrated from a child's point of view, but at the same time, offering so much insight, wisdom and..." Read more

"...We have an unusual and delightful nine-month-old narrator and her mother, who teach us in a simple but beautiful way about mothers’ strength, the..." Read more

"...Segilola Salami captures emotions beautifully in this book...." Read more

"...The author’s voice is caring, sympathetic, and eager to share Nigerian culture with its readers...." Read more

5 customers mention "Heartwarming"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with one review describing it as a sweet little meditation on motherhood that strengthens the bond between mother and daughter.

"...It strengthens the bond of mother to daughter, ingraining the spiritual importance of motherhood, all while reflecting the traditions of the homeland..." Read more

"...It doesn't follow an orderly plot, but rather highlights the poignant moments- the sadness, kisses, tears, smiles, hugs and cuddles...." Read more

"3.5 stars Yetunde is a meditation on the importance, love, and dedication of mothers...." Read more

"...A great mother also gives encouragement, comfort, emotional support, and unconditional love. Those are necessities in life not to be taken lightly...." Read more

5 customers mention "Sweetness"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one describing it as endearing.

"...The recognition of women and mother’s strength is empowering and endearing, told with a simplicity that helps this story reach a younger audience,..." Read more

"...It's like a spoon of honey without the bread. Yes, it is sweet; it is interesting. It could be much more." Read more

"...rather highlights the poignant moments- the sadness, kisses, tears, smiles, hugs and cuddles...." Read more

"A sweet, cultural tale about a mother's love...." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, with one mentioning it works well as a read-aloud picture book, while another notes it's perfect for a quiet morning or afternoon.

"...Overall, the book is a short, enjoyable read for both mothers and daughters of varying ages...." Read more

"...A perfect read for a quiet morning or afternoon. First of all, let’s talk about the plot...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the story. Could also make a great read-aloud picture book. ★★★☆☆. Very nice concept and executed well...." Read more

"Enjoyable..." Read more

3 customers mention "Audience"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book good for younger audiences, with one mentioning that babies can learn about the world through it.

"This is a sweet little story with a lot of heart perfect for young and older readers alike...." Read more

"...Once again. Not my genre or type PERSONALLY, but good for younger audiences. I enjoyed the story...." Read more

"...In this fantastical world, the baby learns about the world and process it in a beautiful way...." Read more

15 customers mention "Story length"9 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the length of the story, with some finding it a loving tale and a great example of an interesting narrative, while others find it difficult to follow.

"...Although I liked her and loved the tale she told Yetunde, I would have preferred to read the whole story through the baby’s perspective...." Read more

"So beautiful writing, so thought provoking, it shares the love of three generations, def a great example of a interesting story with lots of heart..." Read more

"...Yetunde is a quick, heartwarming read. Despite its brief length (about 30 pages), it seems a bit scattered - there are bits of info that don't seem..." Read more

"...This is a very short story (about 26 pages) from the point of view of a very young child listening to her mother tell her a story about a Yoruban..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

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R. Anderson
A sweet, cultural tale about a mother's love.
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase

I thought it was interesting in that it's being narrated from a child's point of view, but at the same time, offering so much insight, wisdom and emotion. It made me recall (or try to recall) my own thoughts and feelings about my mother growing up. There's a story there, but also lessons in ethics and cultural significance and similarities. Comparing Katara and water-bending to the worshipers of Yemoja was a nice touch, because it makes the comparison relatable to audiences not familiar with African folklore and traditions.

The story is a little dark, as it does feature themes of sadness and death, but that's good. Yetunde's mother does not want her to be ignorant of the ways of the world, and wants to prepare her for as much as possible. Even as adults, we know the world can be a terrifying and evil place, but the sooner we learn of the these dangers, the better we can guard ourselves against them.

Overall, the book is a short, enjoyable read for both mothers and daughters of varying ages. Yes, I understand this is a children's book, but I believe older audiences can take something away from it as well.

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Esther
This is a sweet little story with a lot of heart perfect for ...
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is a sweet little story with a lot of heart perfect for young and older readers alike. We have an unusual and delightful nine-month-old narrator and her mother, who teach us in a simple but beautiful way about mothers’ strength, the loss of a loved one, cultural identity, and Yoruba folktale. A perfect read for a quiet morning or afternoon.

First of all, let’s talk about the plot. It’s very straightforward, as we find ourselves thrown in the middle of a normal day in the life of Yetunde in which her mother decides to tell her more about her culture through a Nigerian folktale. My only complaint about the plot is actually about the ending, which teases a new story out of the blue. I am interested in reading the continuation, but I didn’t like such a blunt introduction to it.

My favorite thing about the story were the main characters. Our first narrator is Yetunde. She’s a baby and, as such, she is just discovering the world, but her innocence makes her very wise. I loved hearing the story from her perspective. When I started reading I thought it would be condescending to have a baby as the narrator, as the story would be told too childishly for adult readers, but that’s not what happened at all. We learn to appreciate the story through her eyes because her mother treats her with a lot of respect and love.

“She just loves it when I give her a kiss, especially when she doesn’t even ask. I don’t do it very often though. I think it makes it even more special and precious when I do.”

Her mother is clever, patient and sweet. She wants Yetunde to learn about her culture, not only because she deems her heritage really important, but also because its connection to her own mother. Although I liked her and loved the tale she told Yetunde, I would have preferred to read the whole story through the baby’s perspective. With such an unusual and successful narrator, changing to the mother was not something I loved.

“I’m simply telling you this so you know about your heritage, Yetunde. Where you come from. I don’t necessarily want for you to become a worshiper when you grow up.”

For such a short story, it touches many important themes and handles them well. The most important one is clearly motherhood. We see through Yetunde’s eyes the admiration and love of a child towards their mother, and then we get to see it again in Yetunde’s mom towards her own mother. The recognition of women and mother’s strength is empowering and endearing, told with a simplicity that helps this story reach a younger audience, but with a lesson that’s deep enough for people of all ages to ponder about.

“No matter how strong a man

He was born by a woman

When you oppress a mother

You oppress your own mother

[…] Woe onto he who makes a mother cry

For her cry is the sound of the war-drum you struck […]”

The story also talks of grief and loss, topics that are hard to discuss but that are treated touchingly and with subtlety. Finally, the last theme I would like to mention is culture and identity. Yetunde’s mother tells her about the Yoruba culture and its deities though a beautiful tale and even a fun little reference to Avatar: The Last Airbender. I loved learning more about the Orishas and there were many beautiful passages that I adored that tell us how much women are valued in the Yoruba culture. Yetunde’s mother talks to her in English and Yoruba, intertwining both cultures through language to help Yetunde grow understanding her identity and which helped me get more immersed in the story.

Overall, this was a sweet and moving little story that I recommend to anyone who just wishes to relax and read on a quiet day, it will brighten it.

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Alex
If you love your mom, this book is for you
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2018
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is the first book I've ever read where the narration is from the perspective of nine month old. While most children of that age still consider their toes fascinating, Yetunde engages in advanced storytelling. It works for this book though. Who better then a baby, for whom their mother is their whole world, to narrate a story about a mom.

This book is an amazing work. Its not just about mom but its about family and heritage. Its about the home she lives in now and the place her family used to call home.

Segilola Salami captures emotions beautifully in this book. The sadness Yetunde's mother feels at the loss of her own mother (Yetunde's grandmother) comes through as genuine. Anyone who has lost a mother will not only relate to what comes across on the pages, but begin to feel their own loss all over in a bittersweet sort of way.

In just 28 pages Salami artfully paints a picture of the near spiritual bond between mother and child as well as family and heritage. Readers who are not stirred by this book probably don't have a heart.

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gloria piper
Great potential
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2017
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Here is a book that is immediately captivating for its delight. One expects this is a baby's story about her mother and in honor of her mother. It takes place in London, England, where Mama wants to make sure her baby learns not only English but Yoruba and Yoruba culture.

I love the baby understanding, even before she learns to walk. While improbable, we are charmed into suspending disbelief so we can taste the sweetness of the story. We are learning as Yotunda learns, about the greatness of mothers in the Yoruba culture from Nigeria. Yetunda's mother shares a poem and a traditional story, illustrating the importance of mothers.

But where is the rest of the story? There is none. Instead, just as we expect some drama, we collide with 'To be continued'. There is no ending. There is no cliff hanger.

Rather than a fiction story, this is a small textbook that is incomplete. It is told from the baby's point of view because the baby symbolizes the pupil, open to instruction, devoted to the teacher. Her teacher is wise, blessing her pupil with lessons of love, honor, and understanding.

Since this is an instruction manual, the chapters should be called lessons. There should be more than three, and this little textbook should not end, to be continued. Rather, it can be called volume I, to be followed by other volumes. It should have a glossary of terms.

As it stands now, it's like paying for a feast and getting appetizers. It's like a spoon of honey without the bread. Yes, it is sweet; it is interesting. It could be much more.

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Top reviews from other countries

Femi
A true reminder of a Mothers Love. Sweetly narrated by a 9month old baby
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase

A true reminder of a Mothers Love.
Sweetly narrated by a 9month old baby.
Mothers are priceless jewels and this book has made me remember the worth of my mother and what she has done and is still doing on my behalf :)

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T. K. Elliott
28 pages of delight
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This little book (only 28 pages) is pure delight. The narrator, who is 9 months old (and obviously precociously intelligent, since she can use words like 'digress' and 'transmission') relates a traditional Yoruba tale told to her by her mother. It's about gratitude, last chances, and the inadvisability of threatening a mother's child.

It's also about Yetunde (the narrator) who is growing up in London, learning Yoruba alongside English as her mother tries to introduce her to her African traditional religion and heritage as well as her English Christian culture. There are words and phrases of Yoruba in the book, always with a translation, and it was interesting trying to figure out the grammar rules of the short sentences.

The writing has that particular lyrical flowing feel of the best traditional fairy tales, where the rhythm carries you along like a river, and the ending makes you want to see what happens in Yetunde's life next.

One might think that the price is a little steep for only 28 pages of narrative, but a drink in a London pub will probably set you back more and provide less enjoyment. Plus, you can read the book more than once!

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E.M.
A short story, drawing on a rich, Yoruba ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 17, 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
A short story, drawing on a rich, Yoruba folkloric tradition, rarely found.
Yetunde's mother is mourning the death of her own mother and she does so by telling little Yetunde an evocative, mystical bedtime story. The story that she tells has ancient roots and, through it, we understand the power of motherhood and the links between the goddess and birth mothers. We understand too, the ongoing links from mother to daughter and that this is a sacred bond. This sacred bond can withstand self-sacrifice and give a mother the ability to face grave dangers to protect her children. A lovely story.

I received a copy of this book. This is my honest review.

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Yetunde: An Ode to My mother Kindle Edition

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Segilola Salami

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet, cultural tale about a mother's love.

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a sweet little story with a lot of heart perfect for ...

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love your mom, this book is for you

3.0 out of 5 stars Great potential

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars A true reminder of a Mothers Love. Sweetly narrated by a 9month old baby

4.0 out of 5 stars 28 pages of delight

4.0 out of 5 stars A short story, drawing on a rich, Yoruba ...

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A sweet, cultural tale about a mother's love.

This is a sweet little story with a lot of heart perfect for ...

If you love your mom, this book is for you

Great potential

A true reminder of a Mothers Love. Sweetly narrated by a 9month old baby

28 pages of delight

A short story, drawing on a rich, Yoruba ...