EXPAND their world

… from the comfort of your own home. How? Through books, of course!

TIPPIE NOW ALSO SPEAKS isiXHOSA AND isiZULU!

Tippie the language-teaching elephant now speaks isiZulu and isiXhosa as well! This proudly South African series teaches children from levels R4 to read and focuses on literacy development. Children with learning disabilities can also greatly benefit from this book series. Since these two new additions were developed by home-language isiXhosa and isiZulu speakers and not merely translated from the English or Afrikaans versions, you can rest assured that your children will learn to properly read and write in context. A great book for home-, second- and even third-language-speaking children.

Learn to Read with Tippie the Elephant by Nolutando Mngxekeza, Reinette Lombard and José Palmer, R390 for box set, Penguin Random House.

IT’S THE SIZE OF YOUR HEART THAT MATTERS

Buffalo has always felt excluded because of her bulky size. When the other animals turn her away, she accepts being alone. One day, she rescues all the smaller animals after a flood. Elaine Macdonald’s I See A Buffalo shows children that friendships aren’t determined by our appearances but rather our heart and character. A lovely guide to teach your child not to judge a person based on the way they look. R100, Penguin Random House South Africa.

EVERYBODY HAS A PLACE

This lovely story highlights the importance of working together to succeed. When Hannah the Hippo tries to help Chick find her way home, she meets an array of animals, each with individual, unique talents that help her on her journey. A great book to give your young one if she’s been feeling out of place and needs a reminder that she, just like everyone else, is important. Helpful Hannah Hippo by Dino J Martins, R150, Penguin Random House South Africa.

A LESSON IN KINDNESS

Your child may have difficulty keeping jealousy and anger under control just like Pumpkin Pie, whose jealousy grows into a mean, hissing snake. She can’t seem to undo this problem until she remembers Ouma’s words to always do her best… and just like that, ”Operation Kindness” is put to the test. A lovely story highlighting the importance of selflessness and kindness in a difficult situation. Pumpkin Finds her Kindness by Bianca Flanders, R150, LAPA.

INTELLIGENCE COMES IN ALL FORMS

Cookie has never felt smart compared to all the other impressive pastries in the bakery. With enough creativity and empowerment, she can learn that she is, in fact, a smart cookie. This witty story is perfect if your child lacks confidence and shows that intelligence comes in various forms, not just perfect marks. The Smart Cookie by Jory John & Pete Oswald, R140, HarperCollins.

#BLACKGIRLMAGIC!

Wanda is excited to visit the salon, knowing exactly what hairstyle she wants, until the stylist applies a chemical relaxer without her consent. When Wanda and her friend Nkiruka are told that she must leave in the relaxer to be beautiful, they speak up. An empowering book celebrating black girl magic and the power of friendship that will show your child that natural hair is, in fact, beautiful. To enforce this message, a cut-out activity sheet is included to stick different natural hairstyles and accessories on a Wanda drawing. Wanda the Brave by Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni, R130, Jacana Media.

A fun book to engage with when singing the all-time favourite Wheels on the Bus. A lovely gift with which to surprise your preschooler. Join the passengers on the bus and follow the actions and words of the song. Let’s ”beep beep” on our way to school as the wheels on the bus go round and round. Wheels on the Bus by CoComelon, R155, Egmont.

LET’S TALK: ADOPTION

Following different adoptive families, Jaco Jacobs’ YouAreaWish helps children understand that every family is unique. This lyrical book is also a lovely starting point for parents considering adoption. It teaches the basics in a warm manner. The author’s royalties will be donated to Engo, a non-profit organisation that offers adoption support. Also available in Afrikaans, R150, Pan Macmillan.

FRIENDSHIP KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES

The perfect book to start discussing race, diversity and discrimination. This story is about two friends who face discrimination because they don’t look the same and how this affects them. These two girls go hand-inhand when battling this treatment and show that friendship should be based on character, not appearance. Take Your Place, You Belong by Karen Theunissen, R130, Jacana Media. ●