The author, Dr. Oliver Akamnonu is a close secondary school contemporary. He has always displayed proficiency in the liberal arts. The secondary school we attended, Government Secondary School, Afikpo, was science oriented. The graduates invariably went on to study Engineering, Medicine or the pure sciences. Dr. Akamnonu was no exception. He studied medicine and went on to specialize in anesthesiology before returning to his endowed vocation in the liberal arts as a master storyteller. I have co-authored some three novels with him. On his own, he has published over 20 books
 

Dr. Akamnonu’s books are based on reality. For legal niceties, he writes about real events but with imaginary casts. The book, ‘Little Baby Lydia’ comes from the same stable. True to character, ‘Little Baby Lydia’ belongs to an emerging generation of immigrants in which families are separated by circumstances predicating survival in hostile circumstances. Lydia was conceived in such circumstances. The mother was in pursuit of the Golden Fleece. For this, she had to leave her husband in their native country while she was pregnant. Her parents had earlier immigrated to God’s own country. This had become the Mecca of much fleeing economic deprivation, civil rights abuses or, more often, wanton insecurity challenges. The choice often was not easy to make.
The author has arranged this anecdote in 26 easy-to-read chapters for easy assimilation by readers. The chapters run from the circumstances of conception through emigration as a fetus to birth and early stages of childhood. Readers can easily appreciate the story because it depicts everyday experiences of many. Essential details are included in this odyssey, from pregnancy through labor to parturition.
 

Parts of the narrative are spiced with humor, a trademark of the author. The babysitter, Mama Titi is a case in point
This book will serve all cadres of readers, from the secondary school students to young adults especially those wanting to raise a family and to prospective parents and grandparents. The emphasis on safety precautions in the home with babies is elaborated. Community babysitting that was in vogue in indigenous communities has been alluded to. It certainly served a purpose. Unfortunately, the prevailing individualistic way of life in indigenous communities militates against it.
The book ‘Little Baby Lydia’ raises no anxieties except the short moment Lydia was held by a combination of mouse glue trap and furniture. As obviously deliberately contrived, this lack of anxiety is a great advantage to grandparents as well as student-moms all of who would need no further anxieties. The title of the book was aptly crafted, and the many hand-drawn interior images were added relaxation. All is well that ends well as the reader of this amazing poetry-spiced life odyssey looks forward to “Little Baby Lydia” to be continued.

Ndubuisi Eke, MB ChB, FRCS, FWACS; FICS
Urological Surgeon and Dr. Melford Graham-Douglas Professor of Paediatric Surgery
University of Port Harcourt

Captivating Journey and Exploration of the Realistic Challenges and Triumph's of Multi-generational Families

I am the biggest fan of this author's collection of enthralling work and his latest endeavor did not disappoint! The story was poignant, comical, and encompassed a scenario that is identifiable across all cultures, genres, and age groups, that of the evolving interconnective role between grandparents and grandchildren. I enjoyed being in the front row of this remarkable adventure that follows a semi-retired grandfather into his first foray of grandchild care. The endearing grandfather honorably steps in to fill a need that has arisen within his family unit and chronicles the daily mishaps, learning curves, and epic highs that accompany the care of his beloved granddaughter, the book's namesake, Lydia.
I highly recommend this read, in addition to the several other reputable titles from the author, including his multinational acclaimed series, 'The Suppers of Many Dishes.'
Ophelia E. West
Massachusetts

Dr. Oliver Akamnonu once again displays why he is such a brilliant writer in his latest book, Little Baby Lydia. His incredible use of wordplay to convey vivid imagery on paper is very commendable! By providing relatable imagery of the characters in the book, the reader develops an emotional connection with these characters and follows their journey through the course of their story. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. Excellent read!!

-Olisaemeka Akamnonu, MD