Mwembe: The Tree

About this book

Mwembe: The Tree by Laika Phiri is a children's story from a young Zambian author whose writing is driven by creativity, positivity and the desire to build confidence through storytelling. The tree at the centre of the title gives young readers a familiar natural image through which a story can explore observation, imagination and the relationship between people and their surroundings. Phiri writes children's stories and religious fiction, and Mwembe: The Tree forms part of her early published work alongside Chitu the Rabbit. The book is suitable for primary-age readers, shared family reading and classroom or library use. It offers young readers the added value of encountering a story written by a fellow young Zambian, demonstrating that children and teenagers can also become authors. For schools and families, the book can support reading practice while encouraging creativity and interest in locally produced children's literature.