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Cape Town-based Honkiman Brings Mystery to Life
by Bontle on 10 Jun 2010 |
The mystery of the SS Waratah has fascinated everybody for over 100 years. The ocean liner that sailed from Durban harbour 101 years ago en route to Cape Town and England with 211 passengers and crew aboard vanished without a trace, with neither wreckage nor remains ever found. Cape Town-based author Marilyn Honkiman introduces the story to a whole new generation in her children’s book, The Mystery of the SS Waratah and the Avocado Tree. The story is aimed at children aged 9 to 13 and readers are encouraged to do their own research in libraries and on the Internet.
Honkiman’s interest in the story began when she lived in Durban’s Essenwood Road in the seventies. There was a huge avocado tree in their garden which produced fruit that could weigh up to a kilogram each, and were delicious. She puts two of the children in the book into the same house, and gives them the neighbour she had who tells them the story of the tree, just as he told her.
Book details
- The Mystery of the SS Waratah and the Avocado Tree by Marilyn Honikman, illustrated by Brice Reignier
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EAN: 9780624048176
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- The Mystery of the SS Waratah and the Avocado Tree by Marilyn Honikman, illustrated by Brice Reignier
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Sindiwe Magona to Talk About Children and Youth Literature at International Festival
by Bontle on 19 May 2010 |
Celebrated author Sindiwe Magona has been invited to the Berlin International Literature Festival. Magona has been invited within the programme section “International Children’s and Youth Literature” and agreed to participate. The festival, now in its tenth year, will take place from the 15th to 25th September.Magona has written 18 children’s books, including: The Best Meal Ever and Life is a Hard but Beautiful Thing. Her novel, Beauty’s Gift, was shortlisted in the 2009 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize
Book details
- Please, Take Photographs by Sindiwe Magona
Book homepage
EAN: 9780980272956
Find this book with BOOK Finder!- The Best Meal Ever by Sindiwe Magona, illustrated by Paddy Bourma
EAN: 9780624042549
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- The Best Meal Ever by Sindiwe Magona, illustrated by Paddy Bourma
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Go le Kana Kana e Baka Lesea.
by Nonikiwe - Editor on 06 May 2010 |
Botlhe ba rata go tlamparela lesea, botlhe ba rata go atla lesea, botlhe ba rata lesea.This is the loveliest picture book you’ve ever seen! Originally published in England in 1994, it soon became a favourite everywhere and was translated into several European languages. In 1996 it was also translated into some African languages. Go le kana kana tells the story of a family and their baby – and he is so cute and he is so cuddly and everyone just wants to hug and kiss and play with him, because everyone loves him SO MUCH! This book is also available in Afrikaans (So graag), isiXhosa (Kakhulu) and isiZulu (Kakhulu).
Book details
- Go le Kana Kana by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury Oxenbury
Ages 2 to 5
EAN: 9780624034407
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- Go le Kana Kana by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury Oxenbury
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Izindaba zaseningizimu nelanga Ijabulisa Abantwana base Afrika
by Nonikiwe - Editor on 06 May 2010 |
Izindaba ezingamashumi amabali nesishiyagalombili ezibhalwe ngabalobi bedumela bezindaba zezingane kanye nabasafufusayo abanekhono – eziveza izinhlobonhlobo zamasiko abantu baseNingizimu ne-Afrika. Imidwebo yemibala egqamile isipha iqoqo elisha sha lezithombe ngabadwebi abayishumi nanye baseNingizimu Afrika.Book details
- Izindaba zaseningizimu nelanga: Stories South of the Sun by Thokozile Luthuli-Xala, Victor Ndlovu, Rose Masubelele
Ages 8 to 12
EAN: 9780624034131
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- Izindaba zaseningizimu nelanga: Stories South of the Sun by Thokozile Luthuli-Xala, Victor Ndlovu, Rose Masubelele
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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
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Ages 4 to 8
EAN: 9780624046073
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- Thandiwe’s Choice by Mari Grobler
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African Women Writer Promotes Children's Literature
by Nonikiwe - Editor on 14 Apr 2010 |
As one of the Commonwealth Writers Prize jury members Elinor Sisulu, author of The Day Gogo Went to Vote took time out of her busy schedule to chat briefly about her other passion, Children’s Literature. Read more here.Sisulu, who wrote the acclaimed children’s bookThe Day Gogo Went to Vote about a great grandmother voting in the first democratic election in South Africa, is also trying to promote African children and ethnic oral literature through a new website puku.co.za. The site connects writers and readers across the continent.
Children’s books do not travel fast in South Africa. It takes a long time to reach the audience Sisulu said.
Book details
- The Day Gogo Went to Vote by Elinor Sisulu, illustrated by Sharon Wilson
Ages 4 to 8
EAN: 9780316702713
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- The Day Gogo Went to Vote by Elinor Sisulu, illustrated by Sharon Wilson
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Seven Recommended Children's Books by Meneesha Govender
by Bontle on 10 Mar 2010 |
A Song for Jamela By Niki Daly. All Jamela can think about is the Afro-Idols TV final. Then she lands a job at Divine Braids hair salon and she cannot believe her luck – Miss Bambi Chaka Chaka, the Afro-Idols celebrity, comes in to have her hair done. Star-struck Jamela is eager to please.
Skating School: Scarlet Skate Magic by Linda Chapman. In White Skate Wishes (the first of the Skating School series) we meet 10-year-old Emily Walker who cannot believe her luck when she is whisked away to a magical ice-skating school. But as is the case in all new settings, Emily feels alone and vulnerable. Some of the girls are not friendly and go out of their way to make her feel unwanted. Emily has only her skating to keep her happy. But is it enough? In her desire to stay strong and happy, Emily sets out to win the prized pair of white skates. As she struggles with her new girl status, Emily and the other girls learn a lot more about life and acceptance.
Kingfisher Knowledge: Sharks by Miranda Smith. Kingfisher Knowledge is a collection of books that takes the young reader into the heart of a subject. From dinosaurs to dangerous creatures and the human body to inventions, there are 22 paperback books and two hardback books to collect. Sharks: This book brings these fascinating predators up close. In it we learn what makes these creatures such killing machines
Epidemics and Plagues by Richard Walker. This book explores killer diseases of the past as well as the present, explaining how they spread and affect people around the world. From the Black Death that swept through medieval Europe to the smallpox epidemic in the Americas, to Aids, malaria, tuberculosis and bird flu of today – this book covers them all.
Little Wolf’s Book of Badness by Ian Whybrow. Little Wolf is a good wolf and all he wants to do is stay at home and be GOOD. But his parents have other plans in mind for him. So he is sent off to Cunning College to earn his Gold BAD Badge.
The Enchanted Horse by Magdalen Nabb. This is a tender and touching story of a young girl’s love for a dusty old wooden horse discovered in a junk shop. Both horse and girl are sad and lonely, and find the friend they need in each other.
No Excuses! by Dr Wayne W Dyer. In his fourth book for children, Dr Wayne W Dyer focuses on the topic of excuses. The book demonstrates how excuses can actually become words that prevent your child from reaching his or her potential. The book follows a boy with a seemingly impossible dream who almost lets excuses get in his way.
Book details
- A Song for Jamela by Niki Daly, illustrated by Niki Daly
Age range from 3 to 9
EAN: 9781845078713
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- Skating School: Scarlet Skate Magic by Linda Chapman
Age range from 5 to 8
EAN: 9780141326351
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- Kingfisher Knowledge: Sharks by Miranda Smith
Age range from 9 to 12
EAN: 9780753419823
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- Kingfisher Knowledge: Epidemics and Plagues by Richard Walker
Age range from 12 to 16
EAN: 9780753460351
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- Little Wolf’s Book of Badness by Ian Whybrow, illustrated by Tony Ross
Age range from 8 to 11
EAN: 9780006751601
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- The Enchanted Horse by Magdalen Nabb, Julek Heller, Julek Heller
Age range from 8 to 11
EAN: 9780786810291
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- No Excuses!: How What You Say Can Get in Your Way by Wayne W Dyer, Kristina Tracey, illustrated by Stacey Heller Budnick
Age range from 2 to 6
EAN: 9781401925833
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- A Song for Jamela by Niki Daly, illustrated by Niki Daly
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Dr Jan Van Elfen Enlightens the Boys this Time in What Every Boy Should Know
by Nonikiwe - Editor on 04 Mar 2010 |
Boys also go through various issues as they approach their teens, so in another book titled What Every Boy Should Know, Dr Jan Van Elfen delves into some of these issues. This familiar and trusted guide for teenagers has now been updated for the new century. It provides answers to all the questions teenagers find too awkward to ask. Here teenagers will find clear and comprehensive information on subjects such as love, adolescence, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases and bodily changes.
- What Every Boy Should Know by Jan Van Elfen
EAN: 9780624048619
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- What Every Boy Should Know by Jan Van Elfen
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Dr Jan Van Elfen Lets us in on What Every Girl Should Know
by Nonikiwe - Editor on 03 Mar 2010 |
Just out, What Every Girl should Know is a book I’m sure many parents with young girls will consider getting as their little girls reach a stage where they start to wonder about themselves. In the book Dr Jan Van Elfen goes into various teen issues in detail.This familiar and trusted guide for teenagers has now been updated for the new century. It provides answers to all the questions teenagers find too awkward to ask. Here teenagers will find clear and comprehensive information on subjects such as love, adolescence, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases and bodily changes.
Book details
- What Every Girl Should Know by Jan Van Elfen
EAN: 9780624048633
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- What Every Girl Should Know by Jan Van Elfen
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Siyolo's Jersey Takes First Prize at the 2009 Exclusive Books IBBY SA Awards
by Nonikiwe - Editor on 23 Nov 2009 |
What a wonderful ride this was, this year’s book selection had more variety and in some ways this made it harder because authors and illustrators are starting to think a little bit out of the box but once again the spirit of giving in Siyolo’s Jersey by Mari Grobler made it a unanimous choice for the Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award.Read full press release here:
Mari Grobler’s children’s title, Siyolo’s Jersey, took first prize at the 2009 Exclusive Books IBBY awards, held at the Vineyard hotel in Cape Town, on 23 November, 2009.
The story of Siyola who gave away bits of his favourite jersey, until there was nothing left, illustrates how important it is for us to give to others and to contribute towards making others happy. The heart-warming, South African, theme which carries through the whole story is one which children from various ethnic and social backgrounds will strongly identify with.
What makes the book unique is that the book is made of mixed media, combining a use tissue paper, material, wool, thread, pastel, eyeliner, and lots of love and tears in its production.
63 books were submitted for the 2009 IBBY award. Siyolo’s Jersey won the hearts of the judges without a doubt and took the award by a large margin. The other shortlisted titles were Liewe land, ‘n Olifant! by Jaco Jacobs, Elsa and the little Thingamajig by Niki Daly, and Happy birthday, Jamela! by Niki Daly.
“It’s great to see such really excellent work, uniquely South African, coming through and being recognised in this way. Our congratulations to the worthy winner as well as all of South Africa’s writers and illustrators on the standard of their work.” Says chairperson of IBBY South Africa, Robin Malan.
About the book:
Siyolo’s jersey is a story about a young boy who loves wearing his red and yellow jersey but there comes a day that his favourite jersey starts unraveling. This bad news takes a turn as Siyola is them able to help many people with pieces of wool from his jersey in a very unique and special way.
About the author and photographer:
Author Mari Grobler and Illustrator Elizabeth Pulles have worked together as a team before with great success. Siyolo’s Jersey compliments their other titles namely Lulama’s magic blanket and Musa’s Journey.
Mari Grobler is an author and poet and lives in Uitenhage in Eastern Cape. Tafelberg published a number of books by her, but the most read and most known are Musa’s journey and Lulama’s magic blanket.
Elizabeth Pulles lives in Johannesburg with her two children. She illustrates children’s books, is also a commercial illustrator, painter and sculptress. She stated illustrating children’s books in 1985. She has illustrated between 20-30 titles.
Information about the award:
Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award recognizes the best South African children’s book writers and illustrators. The bi-annual Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award is endorsed by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. The Exclusive Books sponsored award extends equivalent recognition and prize-money to both the author and illustrator of the winning book.
To be considered for the award, both the writer and the illustrator must be South African and the book must be an original work written in any of the official South African languages. The book must also have been published in South Africa. The writer and the illustrator each receive a R5, 000 cash prize.
Book details
- Siyolo’s Jersey by Mari Grobler, illustrated by Elizabeth Pulles
EAN: 9780624046066
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- Siyolo’s Jersey by Mari Grobler, illustrated by Elizabeth Pulles
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- Please, Take Photographs by Sindiwe Magona
