Google Gemini storybook turns Nigerian children into story heroes

(DDM) – Google has launched a new feature in its Gemini app called Storybook, allowing Nigerian families to transform personal moments into narrated, illustrated tales.

DDM gathered that with just a simple prompt and an image, Storybook can create a colourful 10-page adventure featuring a child as the main character.

The innovation taps into Nigeria’s rich storytelling tradition, where folktales have long been used to pass down wisdom and connect generations.

According to Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s communications and public affairs manager for West Africa, the tool makes learning both personal and interactive.

He noted that storytelling has always been an integral part of Nigerian culture, but the challenge has been creating engaging educational materials tailored to each child.

Storybook enables parents and teachers to weave children directly into their own learning journeys.

With around 39 million Nigerian children aged six and under, the potential impact on early childhood education is significant.

Using Storybook is straightforward: users describe a story, upload a photo or drawing, and Gemini generates a narrated, fully illustrated book.

The stories can feature everything from bedtime adventures to playful retellings of everyday events.

One example shared by Google involved a father turning his job resume into a whimsical “day in the life” story for his daughter.

Kola-Ogunlade emphasised that the technology’s value lies in the personal expression it fosters, not just the AI itself.

He described Storybook as a “canvas for small, personal moments” that strengthen family bonds and cultural connection.

Beyond entertainment, the feature also offers a way to preserve cultural heritage.

Families can integrate local traditions, historical figures, and indigenous settings into their stories.

This approach can help children develop a deeper appreciation of their roots while enjoying personalised narratives.

Storybook can also be used to create meaningful gifts, such as tales that immortalise family milestones or honour ancestors.

To get started, users can visit gemini.google.com/gem/storybook, enter their story idea, and optionally add images to personalise the plot.

The feature is available globally on both mobile and desktop platforms from today.

Industry observers believe this could open new opportunities for digital learning in Nigeria’s homes and classrooms.

As technology continues to merge with tradition, tools like Storybook could redefine how the next generation experiences storytelling.

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