In her first work of fiction, ten year old, Bonita Treasure Murungi Arinaitwe explores friendship. She takes us on a journey about friendship at four levels: between parents and their children; siblings; amongst peers at school; and girls transforming to young women and meeting life partners. Through the eyes of her main character, princess Noella, we are taken on a journey of trial and adventure. But through it all, we find that princess Noella cultivates friendships. Bonita explores and ably holds the theme of friendship in a way which causes each one of us, young and old, to re-consider our understanding of what it means to be a friend.

At a time when parents are being urged to re-define their parenting role, this book also provides an excellent starting point for a conversation about the meaning of truly enduring friendships and love in our homes.

In the end, Bonita’s first book does two things with remarkable ease: she excites young readers to enjoy reading and contributes to developing them into life- long learners by challenging them to explore their own creativity.

You get yourself a copy of the book here