Girl power, a rainbow forest and a chocolate river … here are a few great local books for young readers.
Bold and zesty, Wanda the Brave by Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni is a celebration of black girl power and a reminder that courage and friendship is a mighty force. An important sequel to the award-winning bestseller Wanda (Jacana Media, 2019), co-authored with Mathabo Tlali, Wanda the Brave tells the story of Wanda (and her glorious head of hair) who is so excited to visit the salon and knows the exact hairstyle she wants, when trouble looms. Aunty Ada wants her to straighten her hair with a white chemical. Wanda and her new friend Nkiruka come up with a plan and both girls stand strong and brave in the face of this big challenge. Jacana.
Originally written for an African fantasy TV commercial Nkhasi & The Chocolate River by C.K Kara can be likened to The Chronicles of Narnia renowned for its fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts and talking animals. The book, which is aimed at children between the ages of five and 10, features a boy named Nkhasi, who is given money to buy milk for his household and bring home water from a nearby well. One day he enters the well where he is taken on a fantasy featuring a chocolate river and more than he ever bargained for. The book is printed in English and Zulu and available at bookstores across SA.
The Rainbow Puppy And The Mystery Of Snow by Heather Djunga tells the true story of Max, or Maximum Happiness, a puppy who did the unexpected during lockdown in South Africa. Illustrated by Christian Djunga, it’s a story shared in the hopes of helping those who have been traumatised through recent events, and a welcomed reminder that we can trust God’s heart, even when we can’t understand circumstances. One of three books in a series, together with Christian The Lion Cub And The Snow Globe King, and White As Snow, also available (Kindle edition) on Amazon.
