Buy a book, ag toe!
Grow your child’s bookcase with some amazing local stories and a classic in the making. We’ve got ideas…
HOW LION BECAME KING OF THE ANIMALS
Instil a little pride in our amazing continent by reading your children stories about the animals, people and breathtaking natural beauty of Africa. These interesting tales are sometimes called creation myths or origin stories. Michelle Cooper has compiled 14 of the most riveting ones, including the San people’s striking story of how the stars and the Milky Way were formed. If you’ve ever wondered why the hippo lives in the water or how the jackal got its saddle, this book will give you an amusing answer. Little ones who can’t follow words yet, will be equally engaged by award-winning illustrator Chris Venter’s work. R195, Tafelberg.
A TRULY SOUTH AFRICAN TAKE ON ADHD
All Of These Things Are Important To Me tells the story of Zee, a little girl living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Told in rhyme, the first part of the book is about Zee’s day, and you can use the story as a tool to start talking about ADHD with your child, whether they have been diagnosed or not. Teachers would certainly also find the book useful. In truly South African style, the book is written in five languages, all in one book, nogal! The second part of the book contains short scientific information on ADHD for us to gain a better understanding of the causes, symptoms and management. The big idea with the book is to increase awareness and educate communities about ADHD (and related mental health disorders) and to destigmatise the disorder. The book costs R100, and all proceeds go to Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation, a non-profit that offers ADHD screening and early intervention service in underprivileged communities. Buy it through the foundation’s website, gb4adhd.co.za
BROCCOLI TO THE RESCUE
SA’s top children’s author does it again! In Grandpa Zombie, Jaco Jacobs hits the nail on the head with a thrilling combo of adventure, surprise, humour and emotion. In a nutshell: Alex’s grandpa is turning into a zombie. He can be temporarily saved by heaps of broccoli, but to get the Zombie Squad off their backs, Alex and Grandpa have to travel far and wide. Your children will beg you for another chapter. R225, Pan Macmillan South Africa.
BEAUTIFUL INTRODUCTION TO SEA CREATURES
Why is it that observing fish or life under the sea is so calming? Is it all the deep blue colours or the slow, wavy movements? Whatever the answer, Hello, Mr Whale! by Sam Boughton is sure to become a bedtime favourite in your home. Settle in with your child and meet a host of friendly undersea animals by lifting the flaps. Pause at the fantastic double gatefold on the last spread. A feast for the eyes, just before you close them… R235, Jonathan Ball.
GORGEOUS GEORGE
It might be news to your child that being scared has nothing to do with being little. Even big horses are scared sometimes, and some of them are scared nearly all the time, especially when they have a huge imagination, like George does. George And The Dragon by Claire Tucker is the third in a series of nine Gorgeous George titles. If your child gets hooked on George or on horses in general, be sure to visit his website at gorgeousgeorgebooks.co.za or find him on Facebook. You could also mail him at george@gorgeousgeorgebooks.co.za. That way you will know when the next book is published. A cute little detail for fans is that George can sign copies of his books with a unique hoof stamp. George is an actual horse that belongs to Claire, and she still rides him often. R135, Reach Publishers. Available at all good book shops, takealot.com, amazon.com and from the Gorgeous George website of course. ●