‘Lustrous’ is the only word to describe the eleven stories illustrated by six artists and told by the one and only Gcina Mhlophe. In case you haven’t met her in person – and in action – I can share with you that she lives her stories, she projects and animates them. The storytelling has rhythm […]
There are many, many collections of stories for children but few have the scope and skill of this. Linda Rode has gathered into her loom sixty story-threads from all over the world. Joyously, most of them are from Africa but there are tales derived from Aesop, La Fontaine, Perrault, Grimm and Andersen as well as
In The Never-Ever Wood Read More »
Two books in one: eleven African folktales retold by Dianne Stewart, eleven local myths and legends researched and told by Jay Heale. Includes “Daughter of the moonlight”, “Van Hunks and the Devil” and “The ghosts of the Castle”. Recently re-issued in a more compact format but with all the glorious colour pictures from the original
African Myths & Legends Read More »
The author makes the point that Aesop knew so much about African animals that he must surely have been African himself – and Piet provides a glorious picture of a bound figure seated on a leopard trotting past a baobab tree. From there on, 16 fables are presented inside African borders, with pictures full of
This is a story of teenage turmoil. Something has happened in the Cederberg – something that all were involved in and all are ashamed of. The story jumps around impulsively as the teens ignore advice, defy parents, send SMSs that say only half of what was intended, risk entanglements. Above all they hope – stupidly,
This youth novel is driven by character and situation. It is the real rural Africa of the 1990s, set in a village near Rustenberg, full of accurate observation and genuine people. The girl storyteller grows up, learns about life and more about her beloved brother than she ever wanted. Fine, compelling writing which pulls the
This book betrays my brother Read More »
As the title indicates, this teenage novel has two themes. Two girls from two very different South African families: one Christian, one Muslim. The girls become “very best friends”, that vital element in so many girls’ lives. While their friendship grows and becomes more aware, in from the outside world come two shattering (genuine) events
Monday evening, Thursday afternoon Read More »
Going to stay with your grandfather in a retirement village sounds deadly for a teenager whose nickname is Randy. It could be a deadly subject for a story as well – but not this story and certainly not this grandfather. Pops is the most unexpected character – and his neighbours can be even more weird.
Pops and the nearly Dead Read More »
The moving story of Be, a modern Bushman/San girl. Its opening sentence: “I have just killed myself” catches both the drama of the Bushman girl’s situation and the threat of extinction to her people – or at the very least, of their traditional way of life. A story of love, courage and dignity, Song of
Helen and her family live in a world we all know, with the fridge to be defrosted, the car to be mended, jealousy, untidiness and a shortage of money. She loves her piano and music can offer an escape magic – but her music teacher, Madame Pandora, takes no nonsense from anyone! Helen and her
In a setting of modern South Africa, meet Donovan (or Donnie or Donna when he feels that way) who is gay. The other members of his family have to come to terms with this. They do so, most sensibly, because his parents are ready to understand, accept and above all love their children. From a
One in the popular Harmony High series. Ntombi’s father has left home and her mother has a boy friend, Zakes, who is not to be trusted. So Ntombi has to stay at home and look after her younger sister instead of being at school singing practice. And there’s chommies and soapie stars and not enough
Eight short stories about real teenagers in the reality of South Africa today. Topics include train surfing (this story by Jenny Robson), avoiding rape, desire for musical fame, families without an adult, sudden teenage affection, untrustworthy teachers. Each pithy story is related with plenty of with-it slang and cell phones. Full of action, genuine characters
BIG UPS! Fundza short stories No.1 Read More »
A modern, magical story full of unexpected creatures with hadedas as the baddies. There’s a night flight over the city of Johannesburg, a magical book, plenty of suspense and surprise, and a final air-borne battle, a bit like the coming of the eagles in The Hobbit. There is also a wise warning: “Even magic has
ARABELLA, THE MOON AND THE MAGIC MONGONGO NUT 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 »
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 »
