African Picture Book Author Spotlight: Draw Me Close To You by Kossim Osseni
Meet Nigerian-Beninese children’s book author Kossim Osseni!
Kossim is an actor, model and children’s book author!
Born in Benin to Nigerian parents, his passion for the arts and storytelling led him to move to New York City where he has launched a successful career in television, theatre and film.
I asked Kossim to share his story and journey to becoming a children's book author. He discusses his writing, his advice to new children’s book authors, and his exciting new projects.
For some background, tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and what you do?
My family is Nigerian but I was born in Benin. So both cultures influence me. I am an actor and model originally from Benin and Nigeria now living between the US and UK.
I moved to the United States to attend school and pursued a degree in Economics and Math.
I became interested in the Arts because I love storytelling. I recognised the importance of our stories and wanted to share it with others. I have done commercials, TV and film projects as well as stage work. The hope is for that to continue and to reach new heights.
When did you first become interested in writing for children? Did you always know you wanted to write African heritage books?
I did because I am African, and our stories and cultures should be shared with the world. Like my theatre work, I like to share stories with an African perspective, but it wasn't until last year that I put it into action. Representation matters and I wanted to raise our visibility in children’s literature. I have two more books coming out this year.
What have been the challenges to writing, publishing and marketing an African heritage book?
It is a smaller market in the West; more people aren't as interested. But with the right tools and perseverance, anything can be overcome. I think people don't know what they don't know. Most people in the West don't think of our stories, as they believe they can't relate or don't think they will.
But at the end of the day, we are all people, and underneath our skin colour, and languages, and cultures, we all want the same things: To live, love laugh and be loved.
What have been the challenges to writing, publishing and marketing an African heritage book?
It is a smaller market in the West; more people aren't as interested. But with the right tools and perseverance, anything can be overcome. I think people don't know what they don't know. Most people in the West don't think of our stories, as they believe they can't relate or don't think they will.
But at the end of the day, we are all people, and underneath our skin colour, and languages, and cultures, we all want the same things: To live, love laugh and be loved.
Did you have any fears or self-doubts when writing an African heritage children’s book? What were they, and how did you overcome them?
Fear of being too personal, exposing too much. But then again, it is all in your mind, isn't it?
What advice do you have for authors writing African heritage children’s books?
Like Nike, Just do it.
What is your favorite African heritage children’s book?
My favorite African heritage book for young adults is Children Of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.
Any advice on how people can encourage children to read more diverse books?
Children are children are children are children. They are open, fearless, curious and love a good story. Through reading diverse books, you expose them to new worlds, new characters, new perspectives. Most children are moved by this and love a good story.
What are you working on next? Are there any other African heritage children’s books that you have written?
I am working on two books--a chapter book and another picture book.
Three Fun Facts:
I love good food.
I love to travel.
I have a child’s eye and heart.