#READING Read and relax

A lovely new book is like a hug for the brain! There’s something for every age and stage.

Wimpy has partnered with online bookstore Ethnikids to create a set of books called The African Folktale Collection, all written by local authors. On the back cover of each book is a piece of the South African flag – if you collect all six books, you will have a full flag. The English books will be available in store and can be collected when you pick up you kids’ combo meal for takeaways or sit down. The digital versions of the books (in all official languages) can be downloaded from Wimpy’s rewards app and website.

YEE-HAW! ANOTHER GORGEOUS GEORGE BOOK!

George and the Nightmare by Claire Tucker is the fifth in this series. Ella has a nightmare, and George the goofy horse is terrified that he too will be plagued by bad dreams… until he makes friends with his very own Night-Mare. Bonus activities include how to make your own George’s Special No More Nightmares Spray and four pages to colour in. A perfect read if your little one is afraid of the dark. Bounce along with the rhyming story and see if you can get your hands on the previous stories too. R135, Exclusive Books and all good bookshops, takealot.com, amazon. com and georgeousgeorgebooks.co.za.

LOVE LEGO?

Who doesn’t? Use your child’s love of these classic building blocks to instil a love of reading too, with Lego books for ages 3 and up. Lego Building Site and Lego Fire Station have push, pull and slide tabs that help the story along. Your little reader can help build a city or save the day by fighting a fire. This type of boardbook is great for motor-skill development and hand-eye coordination. R169 each, Macmillan Children’s Books.

YOUR CHILD IS NOT ALONE

In this book, Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida, writes about her personal experience being bullied as a child. The story highlights the importance of friendship and being able to talk to a trusted adult. If you suspect that your child is being bullied, this book is a perfect reminder that they are not alone and it is not their fault. It was published in the hope that children could see themselves in the storyline and take away a positive message from it. Shudu Finds her Magic is best suited for 4- to 12-year-olds and is available in six languages. R95, Jacana Media.

NEW SCHOOL? HOW EXCITING!

In this heartwarming story, children are encouraged to find their voice outside of their comfort zone. Your child may be having a difficult time adjusting to a new school environment, but Rorisang and her twin brother, Mo, show the fun in making new friends and taking part in new activities. Refiloe Moahloli’s Know My Name may be the extra encouragement your child needs, to show them that change can be exciting. R130 (R96 e-price), Macmillan Children’s Books.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY AND FRIENDSHIP

What really makes a person happy? Humphrey the whale travels through the depths of the ocean to find out. He collects items upon items, but still… nothing makes him feel complete. Maybe it really is friendship that will lead him to contentment. The gorgeous, glittering illustrations will grasp the attention of children up to 6 years old. The story is an early lesson about the importance of friendship over possessions. The Whale Who Wanted More by Rachel Bright, R189, Hachette Children’s Group.

LOCAL IS LEKKER

Veld Friends is a series for kids of all ages, set around the waterhole and starring a loveable cast of South African animals, including Sindele the Stork, Mandla the Hippo and Beukus the Baboon. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll want to hold your nose for a while when Walter farts. Buy all three, and know that your child will request that you read them over and over. Veld Friends by Andrew Dawson and Haden Clendinning, R110 each, Penguin Random House.

RAISING FINANCIALLY STABLE CHILDREN

Struggling to educate your child on important money issues? No need to worry, because Mrs Spiggles and her Money Tales will teach your child four important money lessons in a series of short stories. From earning money to budgeting and saving to giving to the less fortunate, local mom Jean Archary’s book covers all the basics. Best suited for 6- to 11-year-olds. Buy from mrsspiggles.co.za for R200, or pay R400 and get the book plus four money containers labelled “Earn”, “Save”, “Spend” and “Give”, to put your child’s newly learnt lessons into practice.

MAKING SOUNDS

Heard of a fuzz-fuzz? You can find it next to the wallahwallah bing-bang, below the trip-trap, the same colour as see-saw how’s your ma, to the left of hichac-I-just-got-back. This book will have you and your child chuckling along at the silliness of words and sounds. The FuzzFuzz by Jennifer Lindridge, R110, Penguin Random House.

THIS ONE’S FOR THE DADS

Whether it's walking quickly through the city with Mama, strolling past neighbourhood cats with Gogo or splashing in puddles through the park with Tata … nothing can compare to the trip to school on top of Papa’s shoulders. The large, colourful illustrations will hold the attention of your young child and invite them to find the fun of walking to school in different ways, especially with their dad. This book is the perfect opportunity for a dad to connect with their child through a bedtime story. On my Papa’s Shoulders by Niki Daly, R170, Tafelberg.

STORIES THAT TRANSPORT

The Singing Turtle and other Folk- and Fairy Tales by Dianne Stewart is a stunning collection of the best stories from around the world, beautifully illustrated by HeidiKate Greeff. This is a book your child will pore over for many years to come. R140, Penguin Random House. ●