ANNETTE REIS

Author, poet, teacher, singer, actress. 

Annette was born in Stockport Cheshire to a Nigerian father and a black mixed heritage mother. As an adult she visited her father's family in Nigeria for the first time. In a traditional naming ceremony that would have been given if she had been there as a baby, Annette was named Omowale. This beautiful Yoruba name means Child Come Home. It was the inspiration for her book Dream the Red Earth, alongside her vivid impressions of Nigeria on her first visit.  

In her early years Annette wrote stories and poems encouraged by her sister, writer Christina Reis. Later it was author Peter Kalu’s encouragement as the creative director of the black writer’s group Cultureword/Commonword that led to her embarking on this children’s novel. As a member of Stockport Writer’s Group Annette regularly won prizes for her short stories.

Annette has also co-written a play, with theatre director Hazel Roy, depicting the involvement of Nina Simone in the American civil rights movement. She played the role of Nina in her one-woman performance that won an award at the Kathmandu International Theatre Festival. Annette is also a singer on the jazz, opera and contemporary circuit and has made T.V and radio appearances.  

DREAM THE RED EARTH

Dream the Red Earth is a tale of two girls, Keisha 12 years and Simi aged 11 years who experience loss and loneliness in different ways.Their life experiences are linked by a startling discovery and time-travelling is the key. Will they reach the safety of home?

The adventures, tests, challenges and riddles span across journeys from the north of England to Nigeria and back.

A magical, suspenseful story with a twist, this book can be enjoyed by readers of any age. It has the warmth of Africa and the chill of a Northern English winter day. Will An African Masquerade be a scary experience for our time-traveller or can Keisha be reunited with her Mum after Covid strikes?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DREAM-RED-EARTH-story-dreams/dp/1804403008