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Just Sisi Gets Two Thumbs Up

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 14 Feb 2011   |   

Just last week I read Just Sisi by Wendy Hartmann, illustrated buy Joan Rankin to my daughter just before bed and she has asked for it every night since. It’s such a great read I really don”t mind the fact that I’ve had to read it over and over again. The simple text together with the soft yet bright illustrations are a big part of why this book is such a winner for me (and others as you will see below). The only issue I have with the book is the soft cover, it tends to flop about as I hold it up to show my kids the illustrations. Other than that I think this is one of the books set to wins an award this year!

The other example I present to you is from South Africa – JUST SISI by Wendy Hartmann, illustrated by Joan Rankin (from Human & Rousseau). This is one of the best local picture books I’ve seen for years, but let’s concentrate on the voice. It is deceptively simple, offering five little stories about a small rabbit who is quite clearly living in a bright, cheerful, modern Africa. In the final tale, she and her small brother are preparing for bed. Just listen to the text:
A kiss on the tummy.
A kiss on the toes!
A kiss on the cheek.
A kiss on the nose.
A cuddle, a hug, snuggle up tight.
Warm blanket, warm bed … and a kiss for goodnight.
Isn’t that gorgeous! What small ears will fail to be enchanted with that voice – aided, of course, by your voice. There’s no such thing as an ‘opposite’ to Salman Rushdie, but Wendy Hartmann is using simplicity instead of complexity.
I have to mention that the illustrator, Joan Rankin, is hardly a silent spectator. Her artwork is bouncing with colour, fun and homely imagination. And for a practical detail, most picture books have 36 pages. This one has over a hundred. There’s value for money in South African publishing – as well as many voices worth listening to.

• Read complete article at Gorrybowestaylor

“Bookchat” Book of the Year 2010 is…

JUST SISI by Wendy Hartmann, illustrated by Joan Rankin
Featured as “Book of the Month” in January, this is a superb picture book, fully deserving the place of honour. (And while most picture books make do with 36 pages, this one has over a hundred. Real value for money!)

• Read more at Bookchat

Book details

• Just Sisi by Wendy Hartmann, illustrated by Joan Rankin
  EAN: 9780798152204
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

Jay Heale Speaks Visual Language With Four New SA Children's Books

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 24 Jan 2011   |   

Today I’m going to introduce you to four South African illustrators. The first thing children look at is the pictures. But do you know how to look? Can you look into the pictures? Do they show details that are not in the text? Do they convey atmosphere?

All four books are impressive, hard-cover volumes. Three are published by Human & Rousseau; the one illustrated by Fiona Moodie comes from Tafelberg. They are all in Afrikaans. I admit happily that I have absolutely no right to comment on the writing in the books because I don’t know enough of the language. But I do know a little about visual language.

• Read complete article at Gorrybowestaylor

Die Mooiste Sprokies van Grimm

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 22 Nov 2010   |   

Beskrywing
Veelsydige skrywer, Marita van der Vyver, maak hierin ‘n keur van haar mooiste Grimm sprokies – self uit Duits vertaal. Bekende sprokies is Rooikappie, Die wolf en sewe bokkies, Die musikante van Bremen, Klein Duimpie, die Paddaprins, Hansie en Grietjie, Raponsie, Sneeuwitjie, en vele bekende en minder bekende sprokies. Daar is 40 sprokies in die bundel opgeneem. Uitsonderlike illustrasies deur internasionaal- bekroonde kunstenaar, Piet Grobler, vul die teks uitsekend aan.
Oor Die Skrywer
In 1997 is Marita van der Vyver se eerste boek vir kinders, Olinosters op die dak/Rhinocephants on the Roof, met die Tienie Holloway-medalje vir kinderlektuur bekroon. Ander boeke due haar en Piet. Brobler is Mia se Ma/Mia’s Mom – met die MER-prys bekroon.
Oor Die Kunstenaar
Piet Grobler is n’bekende en veelbekroonde Suid-Afrikaanse kunstenaar wat vele toekennings plaaslik en in die buiteland ontvang het vir sy illustrasies vir kinderboeke. Piet is tans ‘n lektor in illustrasie in Worchester, Engeland. Hy is vanjaar bekroon met die internasionale Peter Pan-prys (Swede) vir sy illustrasies vir Makwelane en die krikidil

Book details

• Die Mooiste Sprokies Van Grimm by Marita van der Vyver, illustrated by Piet Grobler
  EAN: 9780798151504
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

Help Jou Kind om Gereed te Wees Vir Skool

by Bontle on 07 Oct 2010   |   

Gaan jou kind een van die dae skool toe? Of is jou kind hierdie jaar in Graad R of 1? Hierdie prettige aktiwiteitboeke kan kinders vanaf 4 jaar help om speel-speel die basiese vaardighede te begin baasraak wat hulle in hulle eerste skooljaar sal nodig hê en gebruik.

Skoolgereed: Aktiwiteite Deel 1

Met meer as 200 aktiwiteite en oefeninge leer kinders reeds skryf-, lees-, handkoördinasie- en telvaardighede aan en leer oor vorms, kleure, syfers, letters, die name van diere en vele meer! Dit is die ideale boek om kleiner kinders skoolgereed te kry, of as prettige aktiwiteite vir eerste skoolgangers om die leerproses aan te help.

Skoolgereed: Aktiwiteite Deel 2

Hierdie prettige en opvoedkundige aktiwiteitsboek het NOG 200 aktiwiteite en oefeninge om kinders vanaf 5 jaar speel-speel die basiese vaardighede wat hulle in hulle eerste skooljaar sal nodig hê te leer en te help oefen. Ook hierdie titel bevat aktiwiteite wat kinders reeds skryf-, lees-, handkoördinasie- en telvaardighede aanleer en leer oor vorms, kleure, syfers, letters, die name van diere en vele meer!

• Lees Meer Met NB Hier

Book details

• Skoolgereed: Aktiwiteite Deel 1 by Human & Rousseau
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9780798151085
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

• Skoolgereed: Aktiwiteite Deel 2 by Human & Rousseau
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9780798151092
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PUKU Reviews Famous South African Folk Tales

by Bontle on 29 Sep 2010   |   

Famous South African Folktales by Pieter W Grobbelaar and Sean Verster.

First published in 1968, Famous South African Folktales is a collection of new stories and old favourites from Southern Africa. There are the much loved Jackal and Wolf stories, and the tale of Tortoise and Hare, but there were also many stories that I’d never heard of including the Bluebottle and Bee, and a story about Till Owlglass, who loves to expose people’s weaknesses.

The War Between Animals and Birds, and the story about how the animals picked Lion to be their king were my favourites because they taught useful lessons while still being amusing. The illustrations that accompany most of the stories also add to their generally humourous tone. Most of the collection is suitable for all ages except in the case of a few like the Witch in the Valley and Rainer de Winaar which struck me as potentially frightening for younger readers, especially coupled with their scary illustrations of their stories’ villains.

Book details

• Famous South African Folktales by Pieter W Grobbelaar, Sean Verster
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9780798142656
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

New Activity Books for Kids From Human and Rousseau

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 13 Sep 2010   |   

Have fun finding out about all the things there are to see by and in the sea in this super playbook! Use the pen to learn how to draw in simple step-by-step stages, then create your own pictures.
The pages can be wiped clean, so you can use them again and again. Have even more fun using the picture magnets to complete the playscene and puzzle pages in the middle of the book.

Have fun finding out about dinosaurs and prehistoric life in this super playbook! Use the pen to learn how to draw in simple step-by-step stages, then create your own pictures. The pages can be wiped clean, so you can use them again and again. Have even more fun using the picture magnets to complete the playscene and puzzle pages in the middle of the book.

About the Author:
Brenda Apsley is an experienced writer and editor involved in all aspects of the publishing process, from the creation and development of original ideas and concepts through to writing and project management. Her range of children’s books is varied, including first books for babies, educational series for young learners, bath, novelty, sticker and storybooks, plus licensed annuals and teen novels; what all have in common is the effective communication of innovative and inspirational ideas.

Book details

• By the Sea: Wipe-Clean Playbook by Brenda Apsley
  EAN: 9780798152013
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• Dinosaurs: Wipe-Clean Playbook by Brenda Apsley
  EAN: 9780798152006
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World Soccer Champions Activity Book Gets Kids Ready for Kick-offp

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 10 May 2010   |   

With the FIFA World Cup coming to South Africa in just 31 days this is the book that every boy and girl will want to have once the soccer fever hits! This 32 page activity book is packed with games relating to the sport, but there’s even more! Included are 8 bonus pages containing key facts, results, records and other amazing anecdotes about the world cups since the 1930’s, making this a unique title relating specifically to the 2010 event! It also includes one page about the stars expected to light up the event and a scoreboard to allow children to follow the competition. The cover is personalized with the South African team’s own colours and flag and the book includes information about the local team and our own national players. PLUS: 50 Colourful reusable stickers will provide endless fun!
Also available in Afrikaans as: Wêreldsokker-kampioene!

Book details

• World Soccer Champions by JHS Illustrations
  Ages 6 to 13
  EAN: 9780798151795
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!