TO BED WITH A book

The perfect end to a winter’s day is to crawl into bed together with a stack of books. Books editor Portia Ngobese has some suggestions

A LITTLE HORSE CALLED PANCAKE AND THE BIG MOUNTAIN FIRE by Candice Noakes-dobson R120

This story about courage is based on true events, told through the eyes of Anna B, a delightful and brave young girl who lived on a farm. It tells how Anna B, along with her best farm animal friends, survive a huge fire, which broke out on Constantiaberg, a mountain in the Western Cape. This historic event not only shows how they are true heroes — along with the firefighters, of course — but also become even closer as friends. The story is wonderful for older children and also has an educational, serious slant.

SIX BLIND MICE AND AN ELEPHANT by Jude Daly R156

Try to imagine just how puzzled you would feel if you were a tiny blind creature stumbling across the largest land animal ever! This cute, beautifully illustrated book tells the tale of six blind mice who find out about a new creature... The mice had been living ordinary lives, until an elephant strays into their territory. The moral of the story is one that is important to all families: if we work as a team and put our heads together, one great idea will spark another. Remember the Phil Jackson quote: “None of us is as smart as all of us!”

SURPRISE! SURPRISE! by Niki Daly R155

This story is truly heartwarming and enjoyable, especially for younger children. Daly tells the story of Mr and Mrs Tati, who could not have children. They came up with a plan to adopt a pig and bring him up as their baby! The story of how they raise their “child pig” is really funny and there are many surprises – especially at the end. Enjoy!

MY DADDY IS A SILLY MONKEY by Dianne Hofmeyr R139

No doubt about it... children and their parents will love this book. It encourages dads to be “silly monkeys” with their children. You can’t help but smile while reading it, with bold and fun illustrations of daddy and daughter enjoying every moment together. The story portrays a strong bond that a single dad and his daughter share, and how goofy and wild they are. More than anything, love survives all chaos, because it’s really just daddy being daddy that the little girl loves the most!

THE DETECTIVE DOG by Julia Donaldson R119

This stunningly illustrated book is great for all inquisitive minds, and very well suited for all children from 3 years old. Be careful though, it could lead to pleas from your child for a pet dog! The ever-so-talented Nell is a very clever dog who has gained the title of “detective” thanks to a keen sense of smell. She shares a house with Peter, a 6-year-old “not so neat” little boy, who always mislays his belongings. Nell is always on the lookout for him, curious, and is ready to sniff out the culprit faster than any regular detective.