‘The Boy Who Stayed’: Nigerian educator releases faith-inspired book for Godly character in young hearts
In a world where children are increasingly surrounded by distractions, screens, and competing influences, Nigerian educator Becky Oni has released ‘The Boy Who Stayed’, a children’s book that seeks to plant seeds of faith, purpose, responsibility, and strong moral values in young hearts.
Drawn from over 15 years of experience working with children, the book encourages young readers to learn to love what is good, stay close to Jesus, and develop the qualities that prepare them for lives of purpose and positive impact.
The Boy Who Stayed is the first title in the Mama Becky’s Stories series, a collection of faith-inspired children’s stories created to nurture character, inspire thoughtful choices, and help children develop a love for God’s Word.
The inspiration for the book came while reflecting on the biblical account of the little boy whose lunch Jesus used during the feeding of the five thousand. Becky Oni found herself asking a simple but profound question:
“What kind of child would stay with Jesus for three days, listen attentively to His teaching, and willingly offer what he had?”
That question became the foundation of The Boy Who Stayed.
According to the author, the book was written out of a growing concern for children living in a world filled with distractions and competing influences. Having spent many years teaching and mentoring children, she believes that children can learn to love what is good when they are intentionally guided into it.
“Children can learn to love what is good when they are intentionally guided into it,” said Oni.
The book serves as a reminder to parents, teachers, and children’s workers that character is cultivated through consistent teaching, example, and intentional investment in young lives.
One of the central messages of the story is that God often works through people who may appear ordinary or overlooked.
“One of the things that drew me to this story is that the Bible never tells us the little boy’s name. He was not a king, a prophet, or a famous leader. He was simply a child who stayed close to Jesus and offered what he had.
That gives hope to children who may feel unnoticed, unheard, or overlooked. I want children to know that they have value, identity, and purpose in Christ. They do not have to be the loudest, the most popular, or the most recognized person in the room. When they learn to love what is good and stay close to God, they too can become part of what God is doing in the world.
The little boy’s name was never recorded, yet his willingness to stay, listen, and give what he had became part of a miracle that has been remembered for generations.”
The Boy Who Stayed is recommended for children aged 5–12 years and is also a valuable resource for parents, teachers, schools, churches, and children’s ministries seeking tools for character development and faith-based learning.
The book is currently available on Amazon. Additional distribution options are being explored to make the book more accessible to schools, churches, and families.
About the Author
Becky Oni is a Nigerian educator, instructional designer, writer, mentor, and children’s advocate with over 15 years of experience working with children and supporting educators.
Through Mama Becky’s Stories, she seeks to help children develop strong values, grow in faith, and discover purpose through engaging, character-building stories rooted in biblical principles.
The Boy Who Stayed is the first title in the Mama Becky’s Stories series. Additional titles, including The Girl Who Spoke, are currently in development.
Book Information
Title: The Boy Who Stayed
Author: Becky Oni
Series: Mama Becky’s Stories
Age Range: 5–12 years
Price: $11.99 USD
Amazon: https://a.co/d/0f06ilEm
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/dKptBFQZEjM?si=We8c26kIZlYTdQ9U
For media enquiries and speaking invitations:
+2348066771095
Parents, educators, churches, and children’s ministries interested in helping children develop strong values and a love for God’s Word can learn more about The Boy Who Stayed through the Amazon page and book trailer links above.
