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Reviews of African Nursery Rhymes and Fly, Eagle, Fly

by Bontle on 14 Jul 2010   |   

African Nursery Rhymes by Liz Mills

Liz Mills puts a South African spin on all our favourite nursery rhymes in this interesting little book. Each of 55 nursery rhymes has beautiful and uniquely South African illustrations: children camp out under an African sky for the classic ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’ while Jack and Jill become Neo and who went to the vlei. Madiba even makes an appearance, asking ‘Pussy cat, pussy cat, where are you?’

My favourite was the South African version of ‘Have you seen he muffin man?’. Mills turns it into ‘Have you seen the mielie lady?’ and like all the rhymes, it becomes a treat for adults and kids. A timeless read for the whole family.

Fly, Eagle, Fly: An African Tale by Christopher Gregorowski

“After a stormy night, a farmer, searching for his lost calf, finds a baby eagle that has been blown out of its nest. He takes it home and raises it with his chickens. When a friend comes to visit one day, he tells the farmer that an eagle should be flying high in the sky, not staying on the ground. But this eagle walks like a chicken, eats like a chicken, even thinks like a chicken, the farmer replies. Twice, the farmer’s friend tries to get the eagle to fly, but it sees the chickens on the ground and drops down each time. At last the friend, followed by the farmer, carries the young eagle back into the mountains and places the great bird on a rocky ledge, just before sunrise.

The story is simple but powerful, telling the story of the young eagle becoming who is meant to be and encouraging children to do the same. Archbishop Desmond Tutu sets the scene for a dramatic read with his foreword and Niki Daly’s expressive paintings tell this African story as well as Gregorowski’s words.

Book details

• African Nursery Rhymes by Liz Mills
  EAN: 9781770072534
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• Fly, Eagle, Fly: An African Tale by Christopher Gregorowski, illustrated by Niki Daly
  EAN: 9781416975991
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Reviews of the Magic of God’s Dream and Thuli’s Mattress

by Bontle on 30 Jun 2010   |   

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams

For every culture, country, boy and girl, God has a wish, according to this book by South Africa’s own Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Race, appearance, social standing and language are not important: God cares only about all of us seeing each other as equals. The illustrations are Disney with a touch of Africa but it’s all the world’s children that are showcased. The moral of the story is more about tolerance and love than it is about religion, despite its title.

Thuli’s Mattress workshopped Elizabeth Littlewait, Jonathan Shapiro, Velaphi Mlombo, Ramona Francis, Margeretha Kilpin and Peter Midgley

Thuli and her teddy-bear discover that her mattress is magic and together the three bounce their way all over. At first Thuli is apprehensive about what is happening but soon she learns that the unknown and unexpected can be fun and she goes along for the ride of her life.

The mattress itself is a quirky and mischievous character which makes up for Thuli being somewhat bland. The illustrations are dreamy and soft, as though the whole adventure could have all been a dream. Thuli’s Mattress’s ending is quite open-ended and there may well yet be a sequel with more chances to take a magic mattress ride again.

Book details

• God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams
  Ages 3 to 7
  EAN: 9780763633882
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• Thuli’s Mattress by Elizabeth Littlewort, Jonathan Shapiro, Velaphi Mlombo, Ramona Francis, Margaretha Kilpin, Peter Midgley
  Ages 5 to 9
  EAN: 9780521578639
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World Cup Book Scores a Goal with Children

by Bontle on 15 Jun 2010   |   

Just in time for the World Cup, San Clemente architect-turned-author Mina Javaherbin has released her debut book. Goal! is a children’s picture book that tells a tale of children in a South African township and how they deal with bullies intent on stealing their prized soccer ball.

Ajani, the protagonist, has won a regulation-size soccer ball for being the best reader in his class. The book is a celebration of soccer and reading. Javaherbin says that she wanted to show how the playful teamwork of soccer empowers and bonds and how reading connects us and enables us to dare to dream and be brave.

The book, released in April, achieved an unexpected boost when a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, described it as “uplifting and inspiring … a gift for soccer fans and all families around the world.”

• Read the complete article at OC Register

Book details

• Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A.G. Ford
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9780763645717
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PUKU Reviews Two Storytime Africa Books

by Bontle on 02 Jun 2010   |   

Bungle in the Jungle by John Bush and Gav Thomson

Bungle in the Jungle is a glossy and quick picture book with bright, colourful and visually interesting illustrations. The story is one the combines magic and mishap as the animals of Africa decide they are not happy with they’re looks and decide to exchange limbs and skins. The silly results of Rhino with Buffalo’s horns and Ostrich with Tortoise’s shell will amuse all young readers and the moral behind the story is one well-worth learning young: love who are you and what you look like.

Hello Tortoise by John Bush and Lindsay van Blerk

Hello Tortoise is an exciting little book about what Tortoise might be hiding under his shell. Very colourful illustrations of Tortoise help tell the story: Maybe he is spotted, maybe he has stripes? Maybe without his shell he can run like the wind? In the spirit of Dr Suess, young readers discover through rhymes and riddles that whatever Tortoise has under his shell, he’d better stay safe and stay inside!

Book details

• Bungle in the Jungle by John Bush, Gavin Thomson
  EAN: 9780620361828
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• Hello Tortoise by John Bush
  EAN: 9780620229623
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Recommended Toddler Books from Cape Town's Child this Month

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 06 May 2010   |   

Are you ready with your roars? Let’s say hello to the dinosaurs! Go wild with this baby T Rex and all his dinosaur friends. Young children will love to stroke their bumpy scales and join in calling out their noises: Swish! Kaaark! Roar! Bright and colourful, with tactile coral frosting on every page, this is sure to appeal to any young dinosaur fan.

Open up this amazing, intricate book and discover secrets and surprises as you peer behind the hidden flaps of the beautiful toadstool. Can you work out what all the creatures are busy getting ready for as they practise roly polies, cartwheels and hand stands, do big stretches and polish trophies? Join the busy ants, ladybirds, beetles and caterpillars for a very exciting day – ready, steady, go!

Daddy Bear and Baby Bear walk home through the forest. On the way, they see many wonderful things – the golden leaves falling from the trees, the big yellow sun going down and the beautiful stars twinkling overhead. When they get home, Daddy tucks his sleepy Baby Bear up in bed. This warm celebration of the relationship between parent and child is perfect for reading at bedtime.

Readers will need to be very brave to enter the strange world of these weird and wonderful trolls! With their googly eyes, warty skin, scratchy feet and matted hair, you won’t forget them once you meet them! With fun text, delightful illustrations, fantastic touch-and-feel elements on every page, and a spectacularly smelly ending, this is one adventure that will keep fearless readers coming back for more!

Open up the doors of this fantastic magnetic space station and explore the large magnetised play area, complete with intergalactic kitchen, workshop and space garden ready to be filled with all sorts of cosmic furniture, equipment and characters. Children will love pulling the magnets out of their handy rooftop storage space, reading the four books and bringing the stories to life – over and over again.

Book details

• Say Hello to the Dinosaurs by Ian Whybrow, Tim Warnes
  EAN: 9780230707399
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• Busy Little Bugs: Pop-up Toadstool by Benji Davies
  EAN: 9780230709638
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• On Our Way Home by Sebastien Braun
  EAN: 9781906250584
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• Terrible Trolls by Delphine Durand
  EAN: 9780230528055
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• My Magnetic Space Station by Joy Gosney
  EAN: 9780230710764
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Mpho ya Thandeka e Ruta Bana ho Bala

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 28 Apr 2010   |   

Mpho ya Thandeka ke pale ya bana e ngotsoeng ke Fathima Dada, Gcina Mhlope, Leoni Hofmeyr le Pandora Alberts. Ke pale e latelang Thandeka a feheletswa ke nkhono wa hae ho ilo bona mpho e ntle a ncha ya habo Thandeka. Tsamaeang le le Thandeka le Nkhono wa hae ka tekesi le terene le fete dibaka le dintho tse ngata tseleng, ho fihlala le bona hore na ke eng mpho e ncha e entseng hore ba tsamae tsela e telele ha kana. Buka ena e fumaneha ke dipuo kaofela tsa Afrika Boroa ho Biblionef.

Book details

• Mpho Ya Thandeka by Fathima Dada, Gcina Mhlope, Leoni Hofmeyr, Pandora Alberts
  Ages 2 to 5
  EAN: 780636066557
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Thandiwe's Choice Could be Another Winner From Mari Grobler

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 28 Apr 2010   |   

Follow the story of a girl, Thandiwe, whose cat has 10 kittens. Her mother will only let her keep one and she has to give away the rest. Take a ride together with Thandiwe as she looks at each kitten to decide which one will suit her grandmother and grandfather, her friend Siyolo, her teacher, the neighbour with the large garden, and the musician to name a few.

Book details

• Thandiwe’s Choice by Mari Grobler
  Book homepage
  Ages 4 to 8
  EAN: 9780624046073
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S is for South Africa Brings Beverley Nadioo Back Home

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 20 Apr 2010   |   

S is for South Africa by Beverley Naidoo and photographed by Prodeepta Das is where two oceans meet, cold Atlantic from the west and warm Indian from the east. Our country stretches wide over Africa’s southern shores from golden beach to misty mountain, desert sand to grassy plain in a land of contrasts where we praise the sun — yet pray for rain! From Cricket to Madiba, from Bunny Chow to Kubu, this photographic alphabet celebrates everything we South Africans love best about our country. Set at the southern end of the African continent, our beautiful land with its many different plants, animals, people and languages was once made ugly by racism. But now our rainbow nation is striving to make the country a fairer place for everyone.

Book details

• S is for South Africa by Beverley Naidoo
  Ages 6 to 9
  EAN: 9781847800183
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The Gift of the Tortoise Challenges the Mischievous Hare

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 30 Mar 2010   |   

Even though I grew up hearing many different stories about the Tortoise and the Hare, my ears still stood up when I heard about Sanelle Sibanda’s new children’s book The Gift of the Tortoise. That’s one duo I don’t think we will ever get tired of hearing about.

SAN FRANCISCO (MMD Newswire) March 17, 2010 — The Gift of the Tortoise, an illustrated children’s book by Sanelle Sibanda, works to entertain young readers while emphasizing the importance of honesty and fairness.

When a massive drought strikes the prosperous African land of Ntabazindun, the animals that live there are forced to flee their homes in search of food and water. One night during their journey, they camp near a tree full of nourishing green leaves. In order to share the leaves for all to enjoy, the animals agree to only eat a few and save the rest for morning. But during the night, a selfish hare hatches a scheme to eat more leaves and place the blame on someone else. When he is caught the next day, he tricks the animals into letting him escape and finds new ways to steal their resources and turn them against each other. Now it is up to the wise tortoise to catch the hare and put an end to his tricks once and for all.

“The book emphasizes that it is important to respect others even if they seem insignificant and treat people the way you like to have them treat you,” Sibanda says. “My grandmother made me smile by telling me great stories and I want to share that gift with others.”

The book features full-color illustrations on each page that depict the animals and their adventures on the way to greener lands. Inspired by the author’s grandmother’s stories, the narrative includes African names, words and themes in an effort to teach young readers about fairness and respect for others.

About the Author

Sanelle Sibanda is a writer, director and actor. Born in Bulawayo, a major city in Zimbabwe, he was raised by his beloved grandmother in the midst of guerilla warfare. A graduate of City University in London, he later relocated to San Francisco where he became involved in film production, direction, acting and writing. Sibanda recently produced and directed a feature film entitled “Generation Now” that premiered at The Four Star Theatre in March 2008. The Gift of the Tortoise is a product of his memories of his grandmother who told him stories to help take his mind from pains of civil war.

• Read the complete article

Book details

• The Gift of the Tortoise by Sanelle Sibanda
  EAN: 9781449946579
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Four New Book Reviews by Nicolette Scrooby

by Bontle on 17 Mar 2010   |   

Miley Cyrus: This is her Life by Brittany Kent

HANNAH Montana fans will go crazy for this biography on Miley Cyrus – it’s packed with photos of the teen sensation and her co-stars, and there are lots of quizzes to test how much you know about her.

The chunky little book has a magazine feel to it and the blurb on the cover calls it “an unofficial scrapbook”. The colourful pages add to the scrapbook feel. You will have the inside scoop on Miley’s likes, dislikes, crushes and best friends, and will even see how to glam up – or down – like a real superstar.

My First Book of Southern African Insects by Charmaine Uys

LITTLE ones will delight in this book about creepy- crawlies.

Short descriptions about insects are written in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu. There’s also a handy little information bar accompanying each insect which tells you what they like to eat, when they are active and their size compared to a matchstick.

The little girl I was paging through the book with could – with no help from me – instantly tell when an insect was deadly due to the red skull and cross bones placed alongside the insect. A triangle with an exclamation mark inside also indicates if an insect bites or stings.

This is a fantastic book for children discovering the world around them. The Adventures of Scratch Sniff and Mr Smith: The Case of the Missing Garlic by Shidani Mohindra
Its basic storyline and child-friendly drawings make for fun reading and easy understanding. The added bonus of being able to smell the pages is an absolute hit. My daughter’s favourite part of the book is right at the end when Mr Smith, I quote, “had a poep” and she could smell it.

My First Book of Southern African Birds: Volume 2 by Erroll Cuthbert
This is a fascinating children’s book about birds in our country.
It has great colour illustrations with short, snappy information blurbs in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu that give just the right amount of information without going into overload for children.
This book came at a perfect time for me, as my four-year-old was a sparrow in her school concert. It helped us pick the correct colour for her costume (which, by the way, I had to pay someone to make) and helped her identify with the bird.

• Read More of the Reviews at Daily Dispatch

Book details

• Miley Cyrus: This Is Her Life by Brittany Kent
  Ages 9 to 12
  EAN: 9780425225387
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• My First Book of Southern African Insects by Charmaine Uys
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9781770072138
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• My First Book of Southern African Birds: Volume Two by Errol Cuthbert, Jennifer Schaum
  EAN: 9781770077430
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• The Adventures of Scratch Sniff and Mr Smith: The Case of the Missing Garlic by Shibani Mohindra, Sue Sansome
  EAN: 9780956207012
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