Written by Maryanne Bester

Illustrated by Shayle Bester

(jacana media)

 

Little Nguni calf thinks he is not cool enough and wants to be cool like all the other cattle around the world...find out how he realizes that he is indeed a special Nguni calf. This is a beautiful story that celebrates 'uniqueness' and just says that we are all 'special' in some way.

 

 

 

 

Written by David Conway

Illustrated by Jude Daly

(Tafelberg)

 

Lila's village is in trouble as there is just no rain falling; the water is running out and the crops are dying, the animals are thirsty and everyone is feeling very hot, but where is the rain? Lila finds out that there just might be a way of making the rain come down. Find out if Lila manages to bring the rain back again. This is a simple and inspiring African story that teaching young ones about 'perseverance'.

 

 

 

 

Story and concept by Ann Walton

Illustrated by Natalie Hinrichsen

(Tafelberg)

 

Follow this beautifully illustrated picture book and create your own story about how a little girl spends her lovely day. This book encourages interaction and creativity as it requires the reader to make things up along the way.

 

 

 

Written and Illustrated by Niki Daly

(Tafelberg)

 

Jamela's mother informs her that they are moving house because she got a new job, this makes Jamela sad, she does not want to leave all her friends...find out what Jamela's sadness leads her to do. This is a warm African story which will help children deal with and embrace 'change'. 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Gcina Mhlophe

Illustrated by Kalle Becker

 

Chameleon was lonely and sad because all the animals of the river community were very mean to him, they always criticized him and said he was ugly. A chance meeting with a singing bird made chameleon try something new...find out what chameleon did to be able to earn the respect of the river community. This old Malawian tale has been retold to pass on to children, a message of respect for one another and knowing that with hard work and practice anything can be achieved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonikiwe Mashologu has always had a love and passion for literature, particularly children's literature. The birth of her son in 2004 encouraged her to get even more involved, with a particular emphasis on promoting African stories in indigenous languages. This led to her spending a few years working on the First Words in Print Project. This project focused on finding good quality, authentic African stories to edit, translate, publish and distribute to foundation phase children (0 to 6 years) in disadvantaged communities. Nonikiwe is now consulting with various organizations that promote children's literacy and is focused on sourcing, editing and promoting African stories for children. She is also an Executive member of IBBY SA and was one of the judges for the Exclusive Books IBBY SA children's book awards 2007. She lives in Cape Town with her husband and two children.
 

 

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