Over the past few days, I’ve been swept up in waves of nostalgia, reflecting on how much has changed in just a short decade. As these memories strike, I jot them down, realizing how different things feel now.

If you’re a reader, you might agree—while there are many stories published by Nigerian authors today, few manage to evoke memories that connect the average Nigerian child to their roots like the Old Macmillan Primary books. These books held a unique charm that resonates deeply with so many Nigerians who grew up with them. Through simple, meaningful stories, vivid illustrations, and relatable characters, they bridged the world of a young Nigerian child with cultural heritage. While newer publications are plentiful, few seem to recreate that powerful connection to the past, that vivid sense of nostalgia.

“Edet lives in Calabar… and remember how Edet sang ‘Rain, rain go away,’ only for it to rain harder just as he wanted to play ball.”

“It’s Christmas day, and they’re cooking rice.”

And who can forget, “Ali is no longer a boy!” or “Simbi goes to school”

These stories weren’t just tales; they were cultural touchstones, grounding us in familiar places, values, and experiences. In a rapidly changing world, the Old Macmillan Primary books remain timeless reminders of who we are and where we come from—a legacy that we carry with us and, hopefully, pass on to future generations.