Gratitude is the theme of Naledi’s adventures

IN THE heart-warming and beautifully illustrated children’s book Thankfulness, readers are whisked off on an adventure with Naledi, a curious African girl, and her parrot Pooki, in their delightful village.

The book, written by Malaysiabased South African author

Winnie Marutle, is about kindness and friendship.

Naledi and

Pooki live in a village called

Lenara. Naledi loves exploring the world around her.

She shows readers how she and the wonderful people in her village express gratitude each day. Every morning, they perform a special ritual, singing, dancing and clapping. In this way, Naledi’s attitude of gratitude starts from the time she gets ready for school.

“Naledi lets us into her world and shows us what the golden thread of thankfulness looks like in action,” Marutle said.

“The story touches on the beauty of sweet friendship, family and kindness.”

Marutle said through the book, children would learn why thankfulness was important and how easy it was to express thankfulness for the things they have. It would inspire them to pause to think about all they can be grateful for in their lives.

“During readings at schools, asking the kids what they were thankful for, and listening to their responses, was truly special and heart-warming.”

Writing the book was the easy part – it took her a few days.

“Illustrating the book was timeconsuming because of the back and forth with the illustrator in bringing my artistic vision to life.”

Thankfulness has always been close to Marutle’s heart.

“Growing up in a single-parent household, thankfulness was something my mother instilled in me and my siblings from a young age. Thankfulness for the food God provided, the clothes on our backs, the ability to go to school and for love and family.”

The book is available from online retailers.

CHILDREN will journey with Naledi, and her parrot Pooki to learn about thankfulness.