by Dr. Ogo Okoye-Johnson
“Chike the Invincible” is an inspirational picture storybook in the folktale genre that illustrates the indomitable human spirit while teaching lessons in perseverance and valor. In the mighty village of Awor lived a valiant young boy Chike. Chike grew up under the loving care of his famous father, Ike and his mother, Chi-Chi. Ike is the powerful and gallant chief of Awor who wins the biggest yam and the archery competitions year-after-year during the annual New Yam Festival. Chike boldly follows in his father’s footsteps and successfully competes in the archery competitions against older contestants.
Tragically, Ike’s jealous brother Obi lays a trap for Ike during an archery competition. Ike falls into the trap and dies from his injuries. Obi declares himself chief of Awor. Obi ruthlessly banishes Chike and his mother from their home, the chief’s compound. Fatefully, the chief of Abah annexes Awor after a border battle caused by Obi. While in exile in his mother’s home, Chike calls on Awor’s warriors to join him to reclaim Awor’s independence from Abah. With the help of Awor’s warriors, Chike is victorious in the battle and restores peaceful relations with Abah. In jubilation and gratitude for Chike’s valiance, Awor villagers installed him as their rightful chief. Dr. Ogo Okoye-Johnson’s thriller, Chike the Invincible, transports readers to a village chock-full of valor, poetic justice and intrigue.