Ermias Sisay (Addis Ababa, 1982) is a children’s literature author who recently published “ዉሃዮ አንሷን ተቀወቀን” that I have to pleasure to translate from Amharic into Spanish («Agua, ¡encantada de conocerte!»), a story that beautifully explains the cycle of water for young kids. Previously he translated from French into Amharic a children’s story from J’aime lire entitled «Prisonnier du tableau, አጋቹ ሰዕል» (2019). Ermias works as an Elementary teacher in the International Community School (ICS).

First, Ermias, thanks for spending this beautiful time to talk with me about your stories and the process of writing and becoming an author. Tell me, why did you write this book?

I wrote this book because in our country we rarely have concept books for Ethiopian kids. My first book was a translation from French into Amharic, this time I wanted to create my own, with the water as the main character of the story and a girl who establishes a dialogue with it asking herself questions. 

Who or what inspired you to write it? 

The idea came from a friend. I wanted to explain the water cycle in simple terms, before knowing anything about water, not using scientific terms such as condensation, evaporation… My goal was to explain about water and nature creating a story. Kids are always my inspiration. As a teacher I love to see closely what they say and how they learn things.

What is the importance of a concept book in children’s literature? 

We can explain facts in a beautiful way, through children’s literature, appealing to their imagination and building their language and vocabulary. 

How did you start writing? 

I write stories by observing kids and by what they say and do. I have a simple but effective way of developing stories, using keywords according to the topic and using Wh- questions. 

You also have published audiobooks. What do they add to the written version? 

I made an audio book because there are kids who really wish to hear stories and whose literacy is developing. Parents could simply play it as it is narrated by a storyteller. 

Why did you decide to translate your book into Spanish and French? 

As you know, I’ve been a French teacher for many years and I am learning Spanish.  

Are you planning to translate them into other Ethiopian languages?

Sure! I have a plan to meet tigrigna, oromiffa… language teachers who can help me to translate the story. There are not many concept books written in Ethiopian languages and I would like to promote these languages and cultures. 

How do you see the context of writing in Ethiopia? For instance, are you in contact with other authors in your country? How do you see the publishing scene here in Addis Ababa or Ethiopia? 

I know other children’s literature writers and I am in contact with them. Publishing a book is not an easy job here, there are not many publishing agencies and it is expensive. I decided to create a website, where people can download this book and others that will come. I have online Amharic students in the US and they also are interested in buying the book, so it is easier to publish it digitally.   

Who are your favorite Ethiopian, African or/ and children’s literature authors?

I like children’s books by Fasika Adefris and Mastawal Abera.

What about Addis Ababa? Imagine I just arrived in your city. Any bookshop or café to enjoy with small children and buy or read some books? What would your recommendation be for someone who loves reading?

I invite people to come to Alliance Ethio-Française where we have a section for kids and activities to promote literature. Ethiopian Reads in the Sidist Kilo area is a nice library. 

I love the illustrations that accompany your text. What can you tell us about the illustrator’s work? Certainly, the book would be another without these beautiful drawings.

Normally I choose the best graphic designers of the city who are doing artistic and graphic design for many organizations and private companies, here and abroad. 

I hear that you are writing a new story about teff! Mmmm! I am looking forward to reading it! Thanks for sharing your experience as a creator with me and my blog readers. Congratulations! 

Note: PS. 1) “ዉሃዮ አንሷን ተቀወቀን” illustrator’s name is Tsegaw Tesfa.

2) After publishing this post, I came to know that there is another Ethiopian Children’s literature author, Binyam Woldehanna, who claims this book as his. I was not aware during my interview with Ermias Sisay or the process of translation that was an argument between these two authors. Binyam also has a webpage where he has published “ዉሃዮ አንሷን ተቀወቀን” for free and has translated it into Tigrigna and Oromiffa. I wish that they can solve their personal issues peacefully.

3) According to Ermias Sisay, Binyam gave him the idea of writing a story on the cycle of water, but he created “ዉሃዮ አንሷን ተቀወቀን” (November 30th, 2021).