Get Rid of Your Phone, Mummy by Mazzi Odu is a delightful and moving piece of children’s literature that highlights a powerful message—the importance of being present with the ones we love in a world full of distractions.
At the heart of this charming tale is five-year-old Tobe, a little girl who yearns deeply for her mother’s attention. Despite her longing, Tobe often finds herself competing with a more modern rival: her mother’s phone. But everything begins to change with the arrival of Uduak, a magical figure reminiscent of a fairy godmother—only, in this story, she is uniquely and beautifully Nigerian.
Uduak possesses superpowers, and when she gently asks Tobe what she wants most, the girl gives an answer so innocent yet profound, for her mummy’s phone to disappear.
That wish becomes the catalyst for a charming adventure that weaves magic with meaning.
One of the most remarkable things about this book is how it proudly stays rooted in its African-ness. Set in Nigeria, it offers readers a fairy tale that feels familiar—not imported. Instead of the usual abracadabra or foreign chants, Uduak’s magic word is delightfully Nigerian: “puff puff.”
A snack beloved across the country, puff puff here becomes more than just food—it’s a symbol of connection, comfort, and cultural pride. It makes the book not just magical, but relatable.
This is exactly why stories like this matter. Children deserve to read about people who look, sound, and live like them. It helps them feel seen—and being seen is a powerful thing.
Mazzi Odu has given us more than a story. She has gifted us a contemporary fable that teaches both children and adults a valuable lesson: Presence is a gift. Attention is love. And life is too short to spend it distracted.
Get Rid of Your Phone, Mummy is a warm, thoughtful, and important reminder to step away from our screens and step into the lives of those who matter most.
