What started as a solo drive across continents is fast becoming a movement inspiring thousands of children to dream bigger.

Children’s storytelling brand Lumi, created by explorer and storyteller Pelumi Nubi, has reached another major milestone as its debut picture book, Lumi Drives From London to Lagos, receives a nomination at the Akada Children’s Book Festival.

The recognition arrives during Children’s Day celebrations and marks another step in Lumi’s growing mission to reshape storytelling for children through courage, adventure and representation.

The story behind Lumi began in 2024 when Pelumi Nubi became the first woman to complete a solo drive from London to Lagos, covering more than 10,000 kilometres across 17 countries over 74 days in a small purple car.

That same car, now permanently housed at the John Randle Museum in Lagos, inspired Lumi, the brave little character now capturing the imagination of children around the world.

But Lumi was never intended to be just a book.

“Children are told constantly that they’re too small, too young, not ready yet,” said Nubi.

“Lumi answers that. When children hold that story, what they’re really holding is possibility. They’re asking themselves: what could I do if I were brave enough to begin?”

What began as a single picture book has rapidly evolved into a wider educational and storytelling ecosystem.

Today, the Lumi brand includes the Lumi Courage Box, featuring a Lumi plush toy, stickers, bookmarks and activities designed to encourage confidence and curiosity.

Through the Lumi Courage & Exploration Programme, the initiative has already reached more than 10,000 children across schools in the United States through interactive storytelling sessions, cultural experiences and lessons on resilience and exploration.

Organisers say this is only the beginning.

Long-term plans for Lumi include animated content, live storytelling experiences, educational resources and global programmes centred around African stories and diverse experiences that allow children to see themselves represented in the worlds they imagine.

Pelumi Nubi, who has travelled to over 90 countries across six continents, believes stories can do more than entertain.

“They can expand what children believe is possible.”

As Lumi continues its journey from a small purple car to a growing children’s franchise, its mission remains simple:

Small car. Big adventure. Bigger dreams.