Waaa Waaa Goes Táwà

by Àlàbá Ònájìn

Overview

A fresh and funny look at a universal childhood problem— by an emerging Nigerian talent.

What parent or caregiver hasn’t wished to disappear when their usually delightful charge erupts with a volcanic tantrum? Somehow small kids manage to make their wishes known in the loudest way possible before they are able to talk.

Tantrums are always unpredictable, happen at the worst time, and are often in public. On a walk, at the market, or getting new braids, Tawá is quick to cry “Waa Waa” for no apparent reason. The day becomes more and more exasperating for anyone near her. It’s not until bedtime when the exhausted grown-ups treat Tawá to their own cries, that the surprised little noise maker is finally subdued.

This captivating picture book is a funny read aloud with equally amusing pictures. It will make kids laugh and make caregivers feel that they are recognized.

The gorgeous and lush Nigerian setting shows that childhood tantrums are universal and happen all over the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593644072
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	11/14/2023
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.31(w) x 10.31(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Àlàbá Ònájìn is a graphic novelist and freelance illustrator from Lagos, Nigeria where he lives with his family. He was chosen as one of the artists for the UNESCO Women in African History project. Waa Waa Tawá marks his debut as a picture book author and illustrator.

Editorial Reviews

09/25/2023

Young Táwà knows what she wants, and when she doesn’t get her way, she lets loose a wail that moves sofas, pops balloons, and sends animals fleeing. Page turns take readers through scenarios in which the child communicates with a “Waaa Waaa,” including a visit to the market that Táwà insists on joining, and a stop at a toy cart where the toy seller gives her a doll to end a tantrum. Ònájìn expresses the dominating force of Táwà’s cries, which fling people back and topple fruit baskets like hurricane-level winds. But as the day comes to a close, Táwà’s tantrums begin to wear on her family and the rest of the neighborhood, too. When the child’s bedtime cries interrupt the evening’s rest, Grandpa, Mama, and Papa all begin to cry, their pet dog joins the fray with a mournful “Aaaaooooo,” and neighbors’ homes emit sorrowful noises. In a comic turnabout, Táwà shifts to caregiver, comforting and quieting the family before drifting off to sleep. Larger-than-life, multi-patterned illustrations express the emotional toll of a child’s endless tears in a debut picture book that offers moments of levity and comfort to both caregivers and children. Characters are portrayed with brown skin, and visual context clues seem to indicate a Nigerian setting. Ages 4–8. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

"Readers will delight in this loving, hilarious tale of a child determined to have her own way." —Kirkus Reviews

"Larger-than-life, multi-patterned illustrations express the emotional toll of a child’s endless tears in a debut picture book that offers moments of levity and comfort to both caregivers and children." —Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2023-08-12
Táwà’s wails disturb everyone in the village.

Little Táwà is pleasant and sweet—until she hears the word no. Then tears fly, wails blast from her mouth, and onlookers recoil in fright from her tantrums. Mama gives in and lets her come to the market. A toy seller gives in, too, and gives her a doll, even after Mama says no. Táwà’s tears also send a small friend running, cut a hair-braiding session short, and convince a tired Papa to let Táwà snuggle up on his back. Will the terror and manipulation ever end? After bedtime, the tables are turned, and Táwà learns to play a new role. This simple story might worry caretakers who don’t want to encourage tantrums, but its treatment of this common issue does bring a lighthearted humor to frustrating behaviors and may open up healthy communication between adults and children. Ònájìn’s humorous, bright, cartoonlike illustrations are wonderfully expressive, using motion to exaggerate the monstrous impact of a toddler’s tantrum on beholders. The contrast between Táwà before, during, and after her tears works brilliantly to build conflict and tension until the final, satisfying scene. All characters are Black, and names and cultural details imply an African setting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Readers will delight in this loving, hilarious tale of a child determined to have her own way. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews