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Cape Town's Child's Recommendation for Early Graders

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 23 Aug 2010   |   

This title was commissioned by the Save our seas foundation to educate children about the Great White Shark, a truly magnificent creature, and its food chain. It is part of the “Rethink the Shark” campaign. This is a true story about Nicole, the Great White Shark which caused quite a stir after being tagged in South African waters, and then, to everyone’s amazement, she was tracked swimming to Western Australia. The trip of more than 11 000 kilometres took only 99 days for this 3.8-metre shark. Remarkably, six months later she was observed back in South Africa. Nicole, who was named after Australian actress Nicole Kidman following her Aussie adventure, made the fastest recorded return-trip across an ocean of any marine animal. Like many sharks, Nicole is rather partial to fish, which is how she lands up in a bit of a pickle with some trek fishermen in this story. In South Africa, trek-net fishing has been practiced for centuries and is a skill passed down the generations. Great Whites are only occasionally caught in trek nets, and are usually set free. Read this title to find out about Nicole’s big day out fishing!

The Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen has all the ingredients of a classic fairy tale: a curse, a missing lucky pebble, an inquisitive little girl and a happy ending. The South African characters make it believable – there’s a traditional tribe prayiong for rain, a talking chameleon and a misunderstood tokoloshe. The story centres on little Thandi, a giorl who lives with her grandmother in their village. It’s a simple and powerful tale with a lesson of love. “You should never take back a gift. A gift is a token of love, and how can you take back love?”

Thousands of children grew up learning to read with Richard Scarry books. This is the soft-cover abridged edition of the 1968 classic and, though some of the sections have been removed, nothing has really changed. It’s still full of excellent humour, fun illustrations and information about the hustle and bustle of Busy Town. Children as young as four will be able to follow the pictures, while early graders can read for themselves. This book – or the older, longer version – is a must-have on all children’s bookshelves.

Book details

• Nicole in The Surf is my Turf by Lulu , Tee
  Ages 3 to 7
  EAN: 9780620462648
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• Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen, illustrated by Gillian Mathew
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  EAN: 9781770097964
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• What Do People Do All Day by Richard Scarry
  Ages 4 to 7
  EAN: 9780007310470
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Izicwadi Zezingane Kuleliviki Yezilandelayo

by Bontle on 27 Jul 2010   |   

Ngabe ngempela kukhona inhlwathi eyingozi esizibeni somlingo? UBoni, uLorato kanye noKagiso bafuna ukuzibonela ngawabo.

Does a dangerous python live in the Magic Pool? Boni, Lorato and Kagiso decide to go and see for themselves.

Le ntsomi uzakuyifunda umbhali wayo wayibaliselwa ngowayekhokela kwitekisi yeziqithi zeComores. Yenye yeentsomi ezibaliswa kulo lonke eli leAfrika, ukusuka eNigeria ukuya kuthi xha kwiiComores kuzokuthi ga eMzantsi Afrika.

Abahlobo abathathu netekisi won the Sappi Isiqalo Book Competition, which encourages South African authors and illustrators to develop materials with a local idiom to promote reading, writing and access to books for all.

Book details

• Isiziba Semilingo by Gaele Mogwe
  EAN: 9780796227928
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• Abahlobo abathathu netekisi by Maryanne Bester, illustrated by Shayle Bester
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  EAN: 9781770092877
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Story-time with Dorothy Kowen This Saturday

by Bontle on 06 Jul 2010   |   

The lovely Dorothy Kowen has written a new story about the magic of Africa. She will come along today to read her book, Gift of Gold, at Book Lounge his Saturday morning. It is always a treasure to hear an author read her own book. Children will then be drawing Dorothy some pictures for her fridge.

Story-time starts at 11am every Saturday.

• Read our Review of Gift of Gold

Book details

• Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen, illustrated by Gillian Mathew
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9781770097964
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A Lesson that Never Dies in The Gift of Gold

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 25 May 2010   |   

This serious but sweet story encourages children not to give up and to always give people a chance before deciding if they will be a part of their lives or not. Its one of those lessons kids will hear over and over in many different stories but will just never really get tired of because that is just simply what real life is all about. Read below for more about what the story is about. If my son’s opinion is anything to go by then you must get your kids The Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen.

The Gift of Gold has all the ingredients of a classic fairy tale; a curse, a missing lucky gold pebble, an inquisitive little girl and, of course, a happy ending. The characters are South African, a traditional tribe praying for rain, a talking chameleon, and a misunderstood tokoloshe. Mathews’ illustrations are gorgeous, ominous, evocative and beautiful in turn. And Kowen’s tale is simply and powerfully written. The lesson is one we should all adhere to; “You should never take back a gift. A gift is a token of love. How can you take back your love?”
This magical story with its vibrant illustrations will appeal to both young and old.

Book details

• The Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen
  Ages 4 to 9
  EAN: 9781770097964
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PUKU to Review The Gift of Gold

by Bontle on 11 May 2010   |   

Dorothy Kowen’s new book Gift of Gold just arrived at PUKU! Keep posted for the review, coming soon!

Book details

• The Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen
  EAN: 9781770097964
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Jacana, The Book Lounge and the Cape Times Team Up to Support Equal Education

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 26 Apr 2010   |   

Jacana Media is delighted to announce a new partnership with The Book Lounge and the Cape Times that will see 10% of sales during Jacana launches at Cape Town’s beloved indie bookshop donated to Equal Education, the NGO fighting for access to better education for all South Africans.

As Book Lounge proprietor Mervyn Sloman wrote on BOOK SA earlier today:

From next week at all Jacana launches at the Book Lounge, ten percent of the sales of the book we’re launching will be donated to Equal Education to aid their brilliant and essential campaign to stock school libraries. Thanks to our partners in this – Jacana and the Cape Times. The first launch to which this applies is Kopano Matlwa’s Spilt Milk next Wednesday – another reason to join us for what promises to be an entertaining conversation between Kopano and Lauren Beukes. Look forward to similar initiatives going forward. In addition, the Bookery (collection point for Equal Education) have supplied us with a rather striking collection bin for donations of books for the school libraries. Peeps, have a scratch around and see if you have any books that are in decent condition and appropriate for school libraries and drop them off here.

• Read More at Jacana Blog

Dorothy Kowen brings Children Gold inThe Gift of Gold

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 15 Apr 2010   |   

The Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen, illustrated by Gillian Mathew has all the ingredients of a classic fairy tale; a curse, a missing lucky gold pebble, an inquisitive little girl and, of course, a happy ending. The characters are South African, a traditional tribe praying for rain, a talking chameleon, and a misunderstood tokoloshe. Mathews’ illustrations are gorgeous, ominous, evocative and beautiful in turn. And Kowen’s tale is simply and powerfully written. The lesson is one we should all adhere to; “You should never take back a gift. A gift is a token of love. How can you take back your love?”
This magical story with its vibrant illustrations will appeal to both young and old.

Dorothy Kowen was born in Zimbabwe and went to school there. She studied at the University of Cape Town and at the Sorbonne in Paris. She lectured at the University of Cape Town and teaches French at many schools in Cape Town, where she lives with her husband. She has three children and two grandchildren. Dorothy supports adult literacy initiatives and has worked to equip disadvantaged schools with libraries. She is passionate about literacy and education and continues to be enchanted and inspired by the mythology of Africa.

• Read More at Jacana Blog

Book details

• Gift of Gold by Dorothy Kowen, illustrated by Gillian Mathew
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9781770097964
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Carole Bloch Helps Asanda Find A Friend

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 12 Mar 2010   |   

Carol Bloch pairs up with with illustrator Bev de Meyer to create A Friend For Asanda, a story of little girl named Asanda who visits different animals in search for the new friend. The story introduces children between the ages of 2 to 7 to many animals, from Mischievous Cat to Crazy Crocodile, at the same time as promoting a love for reading. Which animal will Asanda choose to be her friend? Children can also interact with the book by hunting for the ants on every page.

Book details

• A Friend For Asanda by Carole Bloch, illustrated by Bev de Meyer
  Book homepage
  Ages 2 to 7
  EAN: 9781770095137
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Football Muti for Africa's Children

by Bontle on 16 Feb 2010   |   

Money is dust when you can make a ball from rags tied together with string; when you can draw Adidas stripes on your feet to emulate your favourite footballer; when you can make goal posts from branches and when your football pitch is an open plain in Africa.

Football Muti is part of the Muti project that aims to raise money to supply children’s charities with much-needed medicine. Robin Goode’s photographic documentation on football captures the beautiful game, at grassroots level. Goode learns that Africa’s relationship with the world’s most popular sport is most strong for the children in some of the world’s poorest places. Muti, both a social documentary and photographic journey, highlights not only Africa’s passion for football, but also the maladies that beset the continent, and football’s potential role as a balm for those maladies.

Book details

• Football Muti by Robin Goode
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  EAN: 9781770097643
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SCWBI Children's Book Author and Illustrator Events in Gauteng in November

by Colleen on 05 Nov 2009   |   

Marjorie Heerden, illustrator of Mr Humperdinck’s Wonderful Whatsit and Veronique Tadjo, editor of Talking Drums are among the well known writers and illustrators who will be giving workshops and talks in Pretoria in November. Here’s the programme from The Society of Childrens’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI):

Exhibition by Illustrators and Writers of Children’s Books

Date: 4-10 November
Venue: University of Pretoria
Edoardo Villa Gallery (Old Merensky Building 19), Pretoria
Daily visiting hours: 4-10 November 2009 from 10:00 to 16:00

Opening Function:
3 November 2009 at 15:00
Welcome: Prof Thomas van der Walt, UNISA
Guest speaker: Marjorie van Heerden – “Were adults shaped by stories they read as children?”
Date: 13-27 November
Venue: Alliance Francaise
19 Rivier St (cnr de Kock), Sunnyside,Pretoria
Daily visiting hours: 13-27 November 2009 – 08:30 – 19:30 (Mon – Thurs); 08:30 – 13:00 (Fri); 09:00 – 12:30 (Sat)

Opening Function
Date: 12 November 2009 at 19:15 for 19:30
Welcome: Maguelone Orliange-Ladsous
Guest Speaker: Veronique Tadjo

Exhibitors:
Kalle Becker, Maryanne and Shayle Bester, Paddy Bouma, Je’Anna Clements, Hazel Cuthbertson, Carol Davies, Yvette de Beer, Julia du Plessis, Wendy Hartman, Jenny Hatton, Jenn Hurlin, Derrick Hurlin, Themba Mabaso, Rob Owen, Louise Prinsloo, Marelise Prinsloo, Elizabeth Pulles, Joan Rankin, Maja Sereda, Nalini Pillay, Chantelle Thorne, Rozenn Torquebiau, Marjorie van Heerden, Samantha van Riet, Adelle van Zyl, Marlene (Paddy) Visser

Enquiries please e-mail SCBWI.Gauteng@mweb.co.za

Illustrators’ workshop on 4th November
How to draw children: an in-depth look at children of different ages and how their bodies change
Presenter: Marjorie van Heerden
Note: For More information about the presenter visit her website
Date: 4 November 2009
Time: 10:00 —15:00Venue: Alliance Francaise, 19 Rivier St (cnr de Kock), Sunnyside, Pretoria
Cost: Non SCBWI Members R150 & SCBWI ; Members R100.00
RSVP: Booking is essential!
To book, please e-mail SCBWI.Gauteng@mweb.co.za before 26/10/09. NB! Put How to draw children in the e-mail subject line

Description: This will be a PowerPoint presentation on how to draw children with an emphasis on illustrating children’s books. This is not a practical workshop, but an informal, interactive lecture-based workshop. It is, however, important that you bring your sketch books and drawing material along because during the workshop the presenter will give the attendees time to try out various points she talks about.

Programme of Children’s Book workshops
Alliance Francaise,
19 Rivier St (cnr de Kock), Sunnyside, Pretoria
These workshops are free of charge but Booking is essential!!

17/11/09
Time:10:30
Topic:Listen to a story
Suggested age group: Grades 2-4
Duration: 45 -60mins
Presenter: Joan Rankin
Time:11:30

Topic: Listen to an adventure story
Suggested Age group: Grades 5- 7
Duration: 60 -90mins.
Presenter: Chantelle Thorne
Time:12:00

Topic:Using a writing model to write
Age:Grade 7- 9
Duration:30 -45 mins
Presenter: Nallini Sooknanan Pillay
Time:14:30

Topic: Write and illustrate a story
Age: Grades 7- 9
Duration: 30 -45 mins
Presenter: Rob Owen

18/11/09
Time: 10:00
Topic: Let’s be creative
Age: Grades 3-4
Duration: (1 hr divided into 2 sessions)
Presenter: Yvette de Beer
Time: 10:30

Topic: Reading and illustrating stories
Age: Grades 1-2
Duration: 30 minutes
Presenter: Jenny Hatton and Shayle Bester
Time : 11:30

Topic: Illustrate a story
Age : Grades 5-7
Duration: 60 minutes
Presenter: Julia du Plessis
Time: 14:30

Topic: The basics of storytelling
Age: Grades 9-12
Duration: 2 hours
Presenter: Derrick Hurlin
Time: 14:30

Topic: How an illustrator works
Age: Grades 9-12
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Presenter: Chantelle Thorne

More info from SCWBI:

Marjorie van Heerden is an award-winning children’s book writer and illustrator. She will give a step-by-step look at the structure of a child’s body and show how their bodies change from that of a new-born baby to that of a young adult of 16. She will discuss a child’s physical and mental development and how one can incorporate this into drawing the child. She will also show the process she follows in the creation of a child character for a picture book. The workshop is aimed at published and unpublished illustrators and writer/illustrators of picture books. Although it is specifically aimed at illustrators, the course could also be benefit authors of illustrated and picture books.

Thank you to the University of Pretoria and Alliance Francaise for allowing us to use their venues free of charge. Thank you to Lapa Uitgewers, Jacana Media, Pan Macmillan and Maskew Miller Longman for their sponsorship. Thank you to Die Sonkasteel and Hedgehog Books for bringing our books to the public.

Book details

• Mr Humperdinck’s Wonderful Whatsit by Wynand Louw, illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden
  EAN: 9780798144520
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• Talking Drums: A Selection of Poems from Africa South of the Sahara edited by Veronique Tadjo
  EAN: 9781582348131
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