Now for something completely different! Talent Competition, written and edited by Michelle Holloway, is a talent competition all on its own. Absolutely beautiful artworks (much more involved than ‘illustrations’) and charming text will enthrall listeners (read aloud) as well as readers of all ages. We will be using it with our CBN children and asking […]
Talent Competition Read More »
A large-paged picture book in which the illustrations are (incredibly) created by hand-stitched embroidery by Reviva Schermbrucker. The story lets Apples, on a motor scooter, visit much of South Africa before returning home for Christmas. Fascinating.
An African Christmas Cloth Read More »
A very very simple story about a very very big fear in the minds of many small children. What’s that noise in the dark? Oh, Mummy! Common sense is not enough. A very small kitten is enough! Joan Rankin supplies soft, sympathetic water-colour pictures. A picture book to be shared.
Who’s Afraid of the Dark? Read More »
Happy and frolicsome! Verse text romps along with a small boy looking forward to his party. Unfortunately, all the local wild animals want to come as well for the wrong reason. Who is going to be eating what? But Mother has the right answer – as mothers always do. Plenty of vigour and humour. Lovely
We’re having a Party Read More »
A delicious read-aloud picture-book with the kind of build up towards ultimate disaster which children adore – and an ending which nobody will guess. The text is sheer enjoyment; the pictures share the chaotic anticipation. Wait till you see Grandfather’s pyjamas! Just a gorgeous story which children will clamour for as bedtime reading again and
The Squeaky, Creaky Bed Read More »
In an African setting, this is the tale of the fisherman who catches a fish that talks and, out of kindness, sets it free. But his greedy brother reckons this magic fish – which is not unlike a coelacanth – is worth a few wishes. So their grass hut becomes a brick house, and the
This book is extraordinary. I have never before seen so much packed into the intricate pages of a picture book. We start with a fluffy parrot chick and by the end of the book (and the year) he is able to fly. Meanwhile his mother, who has been self-elected Queen of the Birds, decides to
The Queen of the Birds: An African Calendar Read More »
A generously-sized picture book story whose author and artist are well aware of the excitement of football, the bleak desolation of the Cape Flats, ever-present danger in such a life and the exuberance of being young. Support from Biblionef has enabled GOAL! to be published in all South African languages.
There is something wondrous and majestic about standing on a seaside cliff and watching the whales. Using a story inside a story, here is a boy facing up to the death of his grandfather and helped by the realisation that all of us, just like the whales, have a journey to take through life. Evocatively
Ben and the Whales Read More »
Andersen’s original story was rather complicated. This retelling is simple, easy to follow and placed in an African vlei. For reading aloud with pleasure (and with versions in African languages).
The Ugly Duckling Read More »
This story was inspired by the first sentence in a San story found in the Bleek and Lloyd archive at the University of Cape Town. In that story, a man brings home a lion to his wife. In this modern version, Dad brings home a lion and says its a dog. His sons disagree –
A board book for very young ones (with This Baby) proving simple concepts and most pleasing pictures.
Small-sized delight. Everything that happens in the family car when moving house. Followed by Finding Aunt Joan and Swimming in the Sun. Joan Rankin’s artwork is endlessly inventive and endearing.
Off goes a bus full of animals on their way to an African market. Plenty for young eyes to explore, and humour abounding.
Next Stop – Zanzibar Road! Read More »
An adorable set of 5 stories about a young rabbit (who could be an African girl) dancing her way through enchanting adventures. Lovely lively pictures to explore and loving read-aloud text.
Upheaval as a family decides to move into a brand new house. Floor plans, building site, packing up belongings, and The Move itself.
Photographic story of life in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Crowded home, restricted  conditions, herbs and fruit for sale.
Qolweni township near Plettenberg Bay. Home is needed for an orphaned girl and an orphaned elephant.
Life in a flat in Johannesburg: family lifestyle, the need for security, laundry on the roof. A visit to Joubert Park.
