An eight-year-old Lagos pupil, Adedoyin Precious Shanu, has launched a children’s book titled Tola the Bully, aimed at tackling bullying and promoting kindness, discipline, and respect among young readers.
The book launch, held on Saturday in the Baruwa area of Ipaja, Lagos State, attracted parents, teachers, pupils, and guests who gathered to celebrate the young author’s achievement and her message of positive behaviour among children.
The 60-page book, spread across 10 chapters, tells the story of Tola, a wealthy but rude girl who bullies people both at home and in school, believing her privileged background gives her the freedom to act without consequences.
Part of the book reads: “This story is about a very rude girl and a bully named Tola. She is mean to everyone at home and at school. Since her family is very rich, she decided she would do anything she wants and get away with it. Will Tola change? Will Tola stop bullying? Find out by reading this amazing book.”
Speaking at the launch, Adedoyin said she was inspired to write the book due to increasing cases of bullying among children.
“I wrote this book because I want children to be respectful. I also want children to know that kindness and courage can make a big difference,” she said.
She added that children must learn to stand for what is right and avoid bullying others, adding that she hopes to continue writing more books in the future.
Adedoyin, born on February 20, 2017, is a Grade Four pupil of Green Apple School and has been recognised as the overall best student in her class and best in English Language.
Her mother, Mrs. Lola Valentine Shanu, said her daughter’s talent became evident early in life, noting that she was very good with reading, writing and spelling from a young age.
“I’m super excited and grateful to God for giving her the wisdom to write,” she said.
The proprietress of Green Apple School, Mrs. Bunmi Ola-King, described Adedoyin as an exceptional pupil who had consistently shown intelligence and creativity from preschool.
She noted that bullying remains a growing concern in schools and called for wider adoption of the book in primary schools across Lagos State.
Book reviewers at the event, including Annabelle Uduaghan, Ms. Winning Harry, Mr. Hammed Lasisi, Samuel Omoniyi, and Shaun Okunbanjo, praised the book for its strong moral message and relevance to child behaviour in society.
They noted that it effectively addresses bullying, particularly among children from privileged backgrounds, while also highlighting the possibility of positive transformation when proper guidance and discipline are provided.
The reviewers emphasized the importance of parental responsibility, stressing that children require adequate attention, supervision, and emotional support regardless of parents’ professional demands, warning that lack of involvement could contribute to behavioural challenges in children.
One of her classmates, Morade Adeniyi, also commended the book and encouraged children to avoid bullying while embracing kindness and respect toward others.
Through Tola the Bully, the young author hopes to inspire children to speak up against bullying and embrace values of kindness, courage, and respect, while also highlighting the role of parents, teachers, and society in shaping children’s behaviour.
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