Imagine turning your child’s crayon drawing or a candid snapshot into a colourful, fully narrated storybook where they are the hero. That’s the magic behind Storybook, the latest feature in Google’s Gemini app, now available to users in Nigeria and around the world.
With just a photo, drawing, or school project, Nigerians can create personalised, 10-page illustrated adventures — blending technology with the country’s rich storytelling tradition.
A New Chapter for Nigerian Storytelling
For generations, storytelling has been at the heart of Nigerian culture. Folktales have served as bridges between generations, carrying wisdom, cultural values, and entertainment.
According to Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications & Public Affairs Manager for West Africa:
“In a country with such a vibrant history of passing down knowledge through stories, Storybook feels like a natural evolution. The challenge has always been making education both interactive and personal. Now, parents and teachers can literally put a child inside their own learning adventure.”
With Gemini’s Storybook, families can create tales rooted in Nigerian traditions, bring historical figures to life, and even turn personal milestones into keepsakes.
How Google Storybook Works
The process is simple and creative:
- Describe your story idea – This could be anything from a bedtime adventure to a folktale adaptation.
- Add a personal image – Upload a photo, drawing, or other artwork.
- Let Gemini work its magic – The AI creates a fully illustrated and narrated digital book.
Examples include:
- A bedtime story starring a child and their favourite teddy bear.
- A superhero tale based on a child’s doodle.
- A playful “day in the life” adventure created from a parent’s CV.
Preserving Culture and Creating Memories
Beyond entertainment, Google Storybook is a cultural preservation tool. Nigerian families can document traditional tales, immortalise historical heroes, and pass down local wisdom in engaging, visual formats.
“The interesting part isn’t the AI; it’s the personal expression it enables,” Kola-Ogunlade explains. “It’s a canvas for small, personal moments that become lifelong memories.”
How to Get Started with Google Storybook in Nigeria
Storybook is now available globally on both mobile and desktop. To start:
- Visit gemini.google.com/gem/storybook
- Describe your story idea
- Upload an image (optional) for a personalised touch
From there, Gemini will generate a unique, narrated, and illustrated storybook — ready to be shared with friends, family, or in the classroom.
Why Storybook Matters for Nigeria
With its deep roots in storytelling and growing appetite for tech-driven education, Nigeria is well-positioned to embrace AI-powered cultural creativity. Google Storybook doesn’t just tell stories; it makes every Nigerian family part of the story.
