Books: 5 Children’s Stories to Enjoy (avail in SA languages)

05.12.08

Books: 5 Children’s Stories to Enjoy (available in all 11 South African official languages)

Selected by Nonikiwe Mashologu (see profile below)

Have you been looking for a book written in an African language for your child? Perfect as a Christmas present or just as a treat that will be enjoyed for months to come; Nonikiwe has made it easy for you by selecting five delightful stories that are available in all 11 South African official languages.

Most of these are available at Exclusive Books or directly from the publisher.

1. Manaka feela – Horns only
 

Written by Fathima Dada, Leoni Hofmeyr and Gcina Mhlophe
Illustrated by Heather Moore and Jiggs Snaddon-Wood
(publisher: maskew miller longman)

Monkey and Zebra want to go join some of the other animals at a party, but there is only one problem...they don't have horns and this is a party for animals with 'horns only'. Follow the story as they devise a devious yet funny way to gate-crash the party.

This book reminds us that being different does not mean we can't get along.

 2. Metswalle e meraro le tekesi – Three friends and a taxi
 

Written by Maryanne Clegg
Illustrated by Shayle Bester
(publisher: jacana media)

This story is based on a classic tale told across the African continent about three friends: sheep, dog and goat, who decide to take a taxi to the sea, only to realize that they can't pay the taxi fare.

This funny tale will teach children to think a little before they act.

 
3. Lulama's long way home

Written and illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden
(publisher: Giraffe Books – Pan Macmillan South Africa)

While Lulama is playing in the river, she is accidentally swooped out by a poor sighted fish eagle. Find out where the fish eagle takes Lulama and how she ends up meeting a giraffe, baboons and a python…which unlikely animal helps her find her way home?

This is a clever and fun tale about making the best of a bad and scary situation.

 4. Zanzibar Road
 

Written and Illustrated by Niki Daly
(publisher: Giraffe Books – Pan Macmillan South Africa)

Mama Jumbo moves to Zanzibar Road, and while she is building her new house, she makes many new friends who come to help her. The book is divided into chapters which follow Mama Jumbo and her friends through many funny and scary moments.

A wonderful South African story about friendship.

 
5. Semaka sa Handa – Handa's Surprise
 

Written and illustrated by Eileen Browne
(publisher: Giraffe Books – Pan Macmillan South Africa)

This colorful and beautifully illustrated books tells a story of a little girl named Handa, who is from the Luo tribe of Kenya. Handa walks from one village to another, carrying a basket of fruit on her head to surprise her friend Akeyo...in the end she is the one who is surprised by what she finds in the basket upon her arrival. Find out what happens to all her fruit along the way.

A beautiful story about the unexpected joys we come across during the journey of life.

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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