Eight-year-old Arianna Sinahamau Ayertey, a pupil of the Valley View University Basic School, has officially launched her first set of four children’s books, marking an early and impressive entry into the literary world.
The book launch was held on Sunday, December 14, at the Praise Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Oyibi. The event represented a major milestone in Arianna’s journey toward fulfilling her dream of becoming a writer.
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Written specifically for early readers, the four books are titled Hansel’s Journey to Friendship, The Magical Girl, The Fruit Swap, and The Lazy Boy. Each story features relatable themes, simple language, and engaging illustrations designed to make reading enjoyable and accessible for children her age.
Currently in Grade Four, Arianna began the writing project a year ago while in Grade Three, under the guidance and encouragement of her parents. Her father, Ing Eric T. Ayertey, is a professional electrical and electronic engineer, while her mother, Mrs Abigail Koryoe Ayertey, is an educationist.
In an interview, the young author said she hopes to reach at least 1,000 of her peers with her books by the end of 2026. She also shared that she is already working on additional stories to keep her writing project active and growing.
The launch ceremony attracted several distinguished guests, including Professor Ernest Kenu of the University of Ghana School of Public Health, who chaired the event. Professor Felicia Annin, Head of the Research, Innovation and Consultancy Unit at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in Somanya, reviewed the books. Dr Henrietta Kumah, Director of the Valley View University Basic School, attended as Guest of Honour, while Reverend Ebenezer Akrong, Oyibi District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, was also present, among others.
In his remarks, Professor Kenu described Arianna’s achievement as a giant step that places her ahead of many of her peers. He commended her dedication and praised her parents for creating a supportive environment that has allowed her talent to flourish. He encouraged the young author to continue developing her skills and to work steadily toward becoming a literary giant.
Reviewing the books, Professor Annin highlighted the appropriateness of their themes, including friendship, calmness, kindness, and hard work. She noted that the stories combine simplicity, cultural relevance, and moral clarity, making them effective tools for moral education and cultural development.
She further urged parents to intentionally build home libraries for their children and to include books like Arianna’s, which help cultivate early reading habits and instill positive values that can shape young lives.
