Artwork by: Lisa Curtis
Work for children
Welcome to the enchanting world of JC Niala, where imagination meets education in the form of captivating picture books and stories for children and young people.
Fueled by a passion to provide diverse narratives for children, JC Niala embarked on her creative journey when she realised the dearth of representation in children's literature. Her first venture, ‘A Kenyan Christmas’ paints a vivid picture of a hot and dry festive season in equatorial Kenya, a refreshing departure from traditional winter wonderlands. This tale not only introduces readers to the warmth of the Christmas family but also features Akinyi, a spirited character reminiscent of JC's own daughter, who has a deep love for animals. This passion for wildlife conservation shines through in ‘Baby Elephant’s Safari,’ where Akinyi takes centre stage, rescuing an orphaned elephant and contributing to elephant conservation efforts through book sales.
JC's dedication to representation and education further unfolds in her latest creation, ‘Alice’s Adventures Beyond the Canal’ a captivating audio play in 2021 which celebrated the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass. In this imaginative tale, Alice embarks on a time-bending adventure, encountering inspiring female scientists and a curious child, all woven together in a narrative that seamlessly blends science facts with fiction. With stunning illustrations by Lisa Curtis and expertly crafted storytelling, JC Niala's works offer young readers the opportunity to explore diverse worlds, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning. In 2022, JC took Alice’s adventures into space with the play ‘Alice in the Universe’ at the Oxford Playhouse. Dive into these captivating stories, where creativity knows no bounds, and embark on a literary journey that is as enriching as it is magical.