BORN TO BE WILD

Here are three awe-inspiring books that will arouse your little one’s interest in animals, says Portia Ngobese

THE BIG BOOK OF ANIMAL STORIES, R190

This is a big, colourful and boldly illustrated book that brings us all closer to nature! It’s a book for the whole family, compiled from a variety of authors and illustrators, and comprises eight fun, adventurous stories of what goes on in the animal kingdom, as imagined by humans, of course. Young readers will fall in love with each story. Your little ones will be delighted by this engaging book and will quickly learn how to identify the different animals. Each story is captivating, and has a heart-warming message for everyone.

THE SELFISH SHONGOLOLO by Vanessa Tedder and

Shan Fischer R80 If you’re looking for a heart-centred book that will teach your little ones about love, kindness, respect and forgiveness, then look no further! This short story is about a Shongololo, a fat squiggly little worm with lots of tiny legs that carry him everywhere with his one hundred tiny little feet. He is very greedy and never wants to share, and will chase away any creature that lands on his tree. All hell breaks loose when an eagle catches Shongololo napping comfortably on his leaf. Will the frightened Shongololo ever get back to his comfort zone again? Young bookworms will be on the edge of their seats.

THE MATATU by Eric Walters R90

The day he’s been longing for has finally arrived, and what better way to celebrate his fifth birthday! A small boy called Kioko is excited because his grandfather is taking him on his very first ride on the fun and colourful bus full of stickers and sayings, known as the Matatu. Matatus are a form of public transportation used in East Africa. During the journey together, Kioko asks his grandfather why dogs always chase after Matatus. His grandfather, being the great storyteller that he is, tells an entertaining tale about a dog, a goat and a sheep. The unexpected twists and turns in the story his grandfather tells provides a profound lesson for all children.