Where Wisdom Wears Wrappers – A review of Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida’s Bisola Visits Her Grandma

Title: Bisola Visits Her Grandma

Author: Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida

Year of Publication: 2024

Number of Pages: 31

Category: Children’s Book

There is something truly special about the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. It is warm, gentle, and filled with a quiet kind of love that stays with you for life. If you were lucky enough to grow up with that bond, like Bisola did, then you already understand the magic this book carries.

At first sight of the cover, the story already comes alive. The bright, cheerful illustration shows an excited little girl clearly on her way to visit her grandma. You can almost feel the anticipation. Any young girl would easily see herself in Bisola. Dressed up, happy, and ready for a warm embrace. The cover is inviting and instantly engaging.

The story takes us on a journey from Lagos to Ondo State and gently introduces a local delicacy along the way. Some children will smile in recognition if they have tasted it before, while others may feel curious and eager to try something new. That cultural touch adds warmth and makes the book even more relatable.

One beautiful detail is how Bisola is described in words exactly the way she is illustrated. Lively, bright, and expressive. Her mum is also beautifully presented, but Grandma stands out in a special way. She is drawn as a graceful, well-dressed elderly woman, dignified and elegant. It is refreshing to see an older character illustrated with such beauty and pride.

Bisola herself is not just pretty; she is smart, curious, and a little restless, just like many children her age. She asks questions. She looks around. She learns. And while Grandma is patient and loving, she is not the type to spoil her grandchild. Instead, she teaches valuable lessons including simple but powerful money habits. The story gently introduces children to managing money wisely so they do not waste or lose it. It does this in a natural way, without sounding like a lecture.

New words appear throughout the book, encouraging young readers to stretch their vocabulary. You can almost imagine a child sitting up, eager to remember and repeat those words later.

One interesting detail is that Bisola and Grandma seem to wear the same outfits throughout the two-week visit. It may feel noticeable to some readers, though it does not distract from the heart of the story. It could even be a deliberate artistic choice to maintain visual consistency for younger readers.

At the center of it all, this book celebrates simple joys. Family visits, shared meals, gentle lessons, and the steady love only grandparents can give. It is warm and educational without being complicated.

Bisola Visits Her Grandma is definitely a must-read for children. It is also a lovely reminder to parents about the importance of teaching values early especially financial responsibility in ways that feel loving and natural.

Most importantly, it reminds us that some of life’s greatest lessons are learned not in classrooms, but in Grandma’s living room.

About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial