The Nkara Chronicles is a series of three fast-paced and fun stories, interweaving African mythology with modern adventure. The books are perfectly pitched for devotees of exciting quests, the engaging dialogue and Adam Douglas-Bagley’s lively illustrations also render the series ideal for reluctant readers.

The stories star Yomi and her younger brother Kayode, and began with Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka, a double-debut being the first children's book from both author and illustrator. Through each of the three adventures, the siblings are plunged into a fantasy quest that will transport readers all over the African continent – from The Gambia to Senegal to South Africa.

Author Davina Tijani joined us to tell us more about her fantastical series and her passion for mythology.

Q. First up, we were wondering if you were a big reader as a child, and which books and writers ignited your love of stories and writing?

A. I was a huge reader of books growing up, my Dad would take me to the local libraries on the weekends. I loved Roald Dahl and Malorie Blackman. They were huge inspirations for my reading. I also devoured non-fiction books such as DK Eyewitness books, Horrible Histories and the Ology Series. All of these books fuelled my love of reading and eventually my writing.

Q. Was there a eureka moment that sparked the concept and world of The Nkara Chronicles?

A. It was born during the pandemic, during this time I was able to really delve deep into African Mythology. There was such a range of different beasts tied to various countries' mythology and I kept getting drawn back to Ninki Nanka and I knew this is where the series would start.

Q. Which came first — the concept, or the cast of compelling characters?

A. Yomi came first, I knew the series would revolve around a young black girl and her younger brother going on fantastical adventures followed by the concept of these adventures going to various different African countries. After this the wider cast developed around Yomi and Kayode to include Uncle Olu, Hadim and others.

Q. Staying on the subject of characters, we adore Yomi and her relationship with her brother Kayode and her uncle Olu. Could you share the origin of these characters? Did you grow up with the equivalent of an Uncle Olu? And how have readers responded to Yomi?

A. Yomi and Kayode was definitely born out of the sibling bond, I have with my own younger sister. Though I would say I'm not as brave as Yomi and perhaps a little more like Kayode with his reservations. I grew up with loving Uncles and I also had a lot of wonderful maternal figures in my life and all of this love, support and guidance has found its way into the Nkara Chronicles. It’s been amazing seeing the positive response to Yomi, especially from reluctant and emerging readers who have said the series has helped them get into reading or build up their confidence.

Q. Throughout the series, the fantastical elements are thrillingly conjured, and so too are the landscapes and cultures of your real-world African continent settings. Did you have the opportunity to do location-based research in the African countries featured in the series?

A. I've been to Nigeria which has been my main physical exposure to real-world African settings. My family are from there so it was an extremely powerful and life-affirming experience to go to Lagos, Ibadan and other places in Nigeria and meet members of my extended family. I hope in the future to visit more African countries especially countries featured in the series.

Q. Could you tell us about some of your favourite characters and stories from mythology across the African continent? Are there any elements or characteristics that unite them?

A. African Mythology is so diverse and expansive; many countries have very unique creatures and characters. The Ninki Nanka of Gambia is so different in lore, appearance and story arc to Grootslang of South Africa. Its rich variety is what makes African Mythology so powerful. My favourite characters would include the Orisha of Nigeria which are the gods of the Yoruba mythology. I really like Yemoja, goddess of waters and Oya, goddess of storms. My favourite story/beast are the Nommos from Dogon Mythology in Mali. They are amphibious creatures from a faraway world who came to Earth and gave the Dogon people highly advanced astronomical knowledge such as Saturn having rings and Jupiter having four large moons. This knowledge was given, centuries before the rest of the world learnt these facts.

Q. What do you hope young readers take from reading The Nkara Chronicles?

A. I hope readers take away new knowledge and new insights into places they likely haven’t seen depicted before in fiction. Most of all, I hope readers are entertained, excited and immersed in this magical world of beasts.

Q. What’s next for Yomi, and for you as a writer?

A. There will be another Yomi book out next year but my lips are sealed for now on where Yomi's next adventure is taking her. In terms of writing, I am working on my adult books as well as developing more children's fiction.

Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka is the first book in The Nkara Chronicles, introducing Yomi and Kayode on a trip of a lifetime as they visit The Gambia, and the beginning of their amazing mythological adventures.

The second in the series is Yomi and the Power of the Yumboes that sees the pair of brave siblings battle to save a secret city and learn about Senegalese Yumboes — powerful fairy-like creatures that possess the power of moon magic. Reviewed by one of our Kids Reader Panel, Harlan Ireland, said "This book was so gripping that I read it in one afternoon. I can't wait to read the next book. I feel so excited and nervous to see what happens next!"

Just published, the third in the series is Yomi and the Curse of Grootslang. As with Yomi’s previous adventures, there’s a great sense of working together and forming new friendships, with South African landscapes, cultures and mythology wonderfully interwoven with the all-out fantasy quest.

The Nkara Chronicles are published by Little Tiger and are available to buy through LoveReading4Kids, with the chance to donate 25% to a school close to your heart. You can find extracts for all three titles below and read reviews from our Editorial Experts and Kids Reader Review Panel.

Enter our competitio to win one of three bundles of goodies from The Nkara Chronicles series by Davina Tijani