BOOKS
Kashya the Little Girl Who Came from the Sun
Armell M. Tchomtong Mahnig’s, ‘Kashya the Little Girl Who Came from the Sun” is an allegory that spreads the message of eradication of social oppression and racism.
The protagonist, Kashya, named after Armell M. Tchomtong Mahnig’s daughter, is a young girl who wakes up in a different world. The story is viewed from the eye of an innocent child who is not familiar with the harsh reality of racism. With the help of her friends, she tries to break the spell of a witch to put an end to social oppression and racism.
‘Kashya the Little Girl Who Came from the Sun’ helps educate the young mind about the cruel reality of life while ensuring to keep it light-hearted. The book has proved to be quite captivating and engaging as Kashya, the leading role, gathers help and tries to break the evil witch’s spell to put an end to racism and social oppression and get back to her parents.
“The story of Kashya, my first published book, came to me one quiet morning at 2 a.m. in 2020, while I was pregnant and unable to fall back asleep. Instead of fighting the restlessness, I opened my phone and wrote the entire plot in the dark, guided only by intuition and a feeling I couldn’t ignore.Two weeks later, the Black Lives Matter movement rose across the world ; even here in Europe, where I live. I took it as a sign from the universe, a reminder that stories have a role to play in moments of collective awakening. I have always believed that if we want to change the world, we must begin by changing ourselves and teaching our children the difference between right and wrong.
That is why this book became my first publication, even though I had been working on another manuscript since 2018. As our community grows, I hope this is only the beginning. I hope my vision of LOVE ; for humanity, for justice, for each other ; continues to shine through every story I write. My fight for equity, for visibility, for each of us to be seen and accepted exactly as we are, will always guide my work. May we keep being our unique, beautiful selves. May we keep dreaming of a better tomorrow.”
Armell M. Tchomtong Mahnig
AKARA CONFESSIONS OF A FIVE-YEAR-OLD DRAMA QUEEN
Armell M. Tchomtong Mahnig’s Confessions of a Five‑Year‑Old Drama Queen Armell M. Tchomtong Mahnig’s Confessions of a Five‑Year‑Old Drama Queen is a humorous and heartwarming story that blends imagination, real‑life experiences, and a touch of fiction to celebrate unity, humanity, and the importance of being seen and heard; no matter our age.
The protagonist, Akara ; named after the author’s daughter ; is a brilliant, dramatic, and endlessly curious five‑year‑old who mixes imagination, science, and mischief in her daily adventures. Full of opinions, allergic to injustice, fluent in side‑eye, and absolutely convinced that adults should come with subtitles, Akara narrates her world with the honesty of a child and the comedic timing of someone who knows she’s the main character.
From Geneva’s lakeside days to family traditions that stretch across continents, Akara transforms every ordinary moment into a story worth telling. Whether she’s negotiating bedtime like a tiny lawyer, investigating the mysterious habits of grown‑ups, or uncovering the secret past of her nanny from Paraguay, her confessions ; dramatic, heartfelt, and occasionally chaotic ; reveal a world where cultures blend, families grow, and big feelings matter.
She is joined by her big brother Clayton ; also the author’s child ; patient, expressive, and constantly wondering how one small girl can create so much noise. Together, they bring to life a story rooted in family, identity, and the beautiful chaos of childhood.
” The idea for Akara came to me one morning at 4:00 a.m., so suddenly and so intensely that I had no choice but to wake up and write it on my phone while everyone was still asleep. Like my first book, this story arrived with urgency ; a whisper I couldn’t ignore.
It is inspired by real life, shaped by the moments I share with my children, Akara and Clayton ; their questions, their courage, their humor, and their way of seeing the world. I added a touch of fiction to spice up the story, but the heart of it is true: a child’s voice deserves to be heard. Their feelings matter. Their presence matters.
Through Akara, I continue my message of unity, humanity, and visibility ; the belief that every one of us, no matter our age, deserves to be seen, understood, and celebrated. My hope is that this book brings joy, sparks conversations, and reminds us that children often carry the clearest truths.”
–- Armell M. Tchomtong Mahnig