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Jay Heale Talks About 'Darkest Africa' on Bookchat

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 11 May 2011   |   

The darkest thing about Africa has always been our ignorance of it,” said George Kimble.

That works both ways. Our South African children are ignorant of countries abroad. They too remain ignorant of Africa. The latter is neatly emphasized by a leading article in the latest (April 2011)issue of Bookbird, the magazine of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People). In this, Daria Mazi-Leskovar, a professor at Maribor University, Slovenia, discusses the image of Africa as portrayed in Slovenian poems for children. It is almost entirely a concept of wild animals: lion, elephant, giraffe. One more enlightened poet writes of a swallow, a migrating bird familiar to Slovenian children. “The author bids goodbye to the tiny bird as it heads for the river Nile, the home of the crocodile, and suggests that it should warn the dangerous animal not to eat children.”

The most frequently mentioned features are the Nile, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Sahara. Top countries are Egypt and Morocco. South Africa, it seems, doesn’t feature much. One longs for Slovenian children to be introduced to a book such as Dear Friends, created by Kerstin Gidfors, Gunilla Lundgren and Per Englund (Tranan Publishing House in co-operation with David Philip 2010) which contains letters and photographs sent by children in South Africa and Sweden to each other. Pictures of African townships and Swedish snow, happy modern families from both countries. Not a lion in sight!

I am equally delighted by Jacana’s new series “Best Loved Tales for Africa” in which well-known stories from Europe are retold in an African setting. (See the Book of the Month which features Sindiwe Magona’s telling of The Ugly Duckling.) A start to showing our children that storytelling is universal and not only a product of Europe.

• Vist Bookchat

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!

Just Sisi Book Review

by Nonikiwe - Editor on 11 Oct 2010   |   

What a delightful read by Wendy Hartmann. The book follows a cheerful little rabbit named Sisi as she tries to make her Gogo smile and tries to get her friends to come out and play and more. The illustrations by Joan Rankin were so enchanting that even my two and half year old daughter sat through as I read all four short storeis to her brother. This is deffinately one to add to the collection. The only thing that I thought could have been done differently was the soft cover. Since it is a book with many pages I found that it would flop a lot because of the soft cover. But overall it gets a thumbs up!

Will Sisi get safely home with the new clay pot?

Will her picture make her gogo smile? Do her friends miss her? Meet Sisi, her family and friends in this delightful compilation of story and rhyme, that is filled with warmth, love and friendship.

The five stories are:
Sisi
Sisi’s Surprise
Sisi and Gogo
Daddy’s Home
Goodnight Kisses

Beautiful, expressive illustrations by internationally known artist, Joan Rankin, compliment the sparingly written, but spot on text.

Book details

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

The Witness Reviews Three Children's Books

by Bontle on 06 Oct 2010   |   

African Seashores by Sally MacLarty
Struik

An attractive colouring-in book for the little ones. MacLarty is a freelance illustrator, and the book has a gallery of all the creatures and plants to be found on the seashore, in full colour, which budding artists can use as a guide when they pick up their crayons or paints. A good local, educational and fun book.

Fame School: Trick or Treat by Cindy Jeffries

One for the seven-year-old age group, set in a school for talented young performers where the usual school dramas are made more complicated by the demands of performance. Should appeal to all the wannabe pop stars.

The Secret Mermaid: Underwater Magic by Sue Mongredien

A book for readers who are just beginning to read alone, about a little girl who, at night, becomes a secret mermaid. She joins the other mermaids in their battles against the evil Dark Queen who is trying to seize control of the oceans.

• Read the complete reviews by The Witness

Book details

• African Seashores: To Read, Colour and Keep by Sally MacLarty
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9781770078925
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• Fame School: Trick or Treat by Cindy Jeffries
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9781409509769
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• The Secret Mermaid: Underwater Magic by Sue Mongredien, illustrated by Maria Pearson
  EAN: 9780746096178
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Phyllis Green Kyk Na ‘n Paar Kinderboeke van Kleuters tot Tieners

by Bontle on 13 Sep 2010   |   

Wikus het pret op die plaas deur Galia Lami Dozo, vertaal deur Jan Ivens

‘n Prettige leesboekie vir 3- tot 7-jariges. Wikus en Wim is op die plaas en leer van al die diere en masjiene. Die blaaie het flappies wat kan oopmaak en waaragter ‘n paar verrassings wegkruip.

Heleen en die heks met hoofpyn, deur Corlia Fourie met illustrasies deur Vian Oelofsen

‘n Lekker voorlees-boek oor hoe ‘n slim meisietjie ‘n nare heks getroef het. Naby Heleen se huis is ‘n bos waar ‘n lelike vrou met ‘n sak vol toorgoed bly. Sy haat kinders, want hulle maak haar kop seer. Heleen se pad kruis met die van die heks en sy haal haarself die ou vrou se gramskap op die hals. Dan beraam sy ‘n plan om van die heks se houvas op haar ontslae te raak.

Thomas@aksienet.net deur Carina Diedericks-Hugo

Die sesde boek in die Thomas Steyn-jeugreeks is vol drama. Thomas kry ‘n rol in ‘n gewilde sepie, maar iemand op stel het hul mes in vir hom en hy moet lig loop. In die skool moet hy veg om sy plek in die rugbyspan te behou en boonop tree sy beste vriend vreemd op.

• Lees die Volkome Boekverslag in Sarie

Book details

• Wikus het pret op die plaas by Jan Ivens, Galia Lami Dozo
  Book homepage
  EAN: 9780798149631
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• Heleen en die heks met die hoofpyn by Corlia Fourie
  EAN: 9781869191979
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• Thomas@aksie.net by Carina Diedericks-Hugo
  EAN: 9780799340921
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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
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

• 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
  Find this book with BOOK Finder!

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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