Book 1: Liam lets his light shine

Liam is afraid of the dark and strange noises. When he has to say no to his friends who want to go on a scary ride at the fair he feels embarrassed. But with some wisdom and guidance from his dad, Liam learns that saying no can be very brave. This sweet story about a scared little elephant teaches children that every emotion is valid, and that courage looks different for each of us.

Book 2: Chloe counts to ten

Chloe is feeling angry today. With an annoying big brother and teasing classmates, she can’t help feeling angry. But with her teacher’s guidance, she paints a beautiful mural that brightens both the school wall and her mood. This sweet story about a feisty little meerkat teaches children that every emotion is valid, and what matters most is how we respond to what we feel.

Book 3: Sello stands his ground

Sello is feeling sad after his best friend moves away. He also feels sad when his dog dies and when he is bullied at school. But with Mama’s help, he learns that crying is nothing to be ashamed of. Sello starts to feel stronger and less alone when, thanks to his uncle, he discovers a new hobby. This sweet story about a sad little lion teaches children that every emotion is valid, and that difficult situations can help us to find our inner strength.

Book 4: Gugu gets a star

Gugu is nervous about her first day at a new school. But a kind gesture, a shared lunch and a rescued bird help her classmates see what a great friend she can be. Join in Gugu’s journey, as she goes from feeling anxious to showing kindness and being welcomed. This sweet story about a kind little zebra teaches children that every emotion is valid, and that we can show empathy and respect in all situations.

Also available in Afrikaans as Diere Maniere.

Illustrations: Alistair Ackermann

Pan Macmillan, 2024

This cheerful collection contains 20 fantastic animal fables, each of which includes valuable wisdom for children in a unique way and how values can be applied in everyday life.

Donkey’s Long Walk to Town conveys the message that one can never satisfy everyone. Bat, Bramble and Seagull Have a Meeting contributes to the idea that rather than only focussing on what you lack you should appreciate what you have. In Gnat Takes On Lion, the wisdom is shared that no one is so invincible that you can never be defeated. Beetle Puts Eagle in His Place shows that, given the courage, even if you are small there is always a way to stand up to a bully. These are just a few examples from this collection of gifted, shy, cheerful, scared, angry and brave animals.

What does Mrs Crab want to brag about? What is Elephant’s Big Secret? Did Hare outsmart the bullies?

Don’t wait any longer to find out!

Illustrator: Shayna Olivier

Penguin Random House, 2021

Book 1: Thuli Madonsela, Ingrid Jonker, Grizelda Grootboom

Book 2: Caster Semenya, Zulaikha Patel, Saray Khumalo

Book 3: Zolani Mahola, Maggie Jooste, Suna Venter

Book 4: Esther Mahlangu, Vanessa Govender, Elsje Neethling

Illustrasions by Linki Brand

Penguin Random House, 2021

In this charmingly illustrated book, the celebrated storyteller Wendy Maartens compiled 21 stories of unsung South African heroes. Some stories are as alive as the windswept contours of Table Mountain. Others are so current that the joyous marvel of the events is still settling.

Discover how Job Maseko sank an enemy warship. Rejoice with the boy who walked barefoot through a war and follow the footsteps of the San boys who were kidnapped by traders.

Be inspired by former slave, Emilie Lehn’s survival of severe hardships and celebrate the long-awaited restoral of Sarah Baartman’s honour after her death.

This collection is the perfect gift for any young story lover!

Illustrations by Linki Brand

Lapa Publishers, 2019

Sea Stories is a collection of stories from around the world – from “Hans and the hole” in Haarlem to the harvesters of bird nests Adhi and Sinta in the East. But there are also many local stories about the Birkenhead Command, “The Flying Dutchman”, the Alibama, Wolraad Woltemade, the Hole-in-the-Wall at esiKhaleni where the water people come to fetch you, “The ghosts of Jutten Island”, “Adamastor and the Cape of Storms” and the shepherd from Macassar who found Sheik Yusuf’s grave amongst the dunes. Sea Stories also contains adaptations of The Little Mermaid, the tale of Princess Elisa and her eleven swan brothers, and the West Coast farmer Koos Malgas who stole his wife’s seal skin. And of course Hare tricks Salt Water Crocodile. The charming illustrations by Marjorie van Heerden will carry a little reader away to a magical world full of oceanic wonder.

This publication is also available in Afrikaans, Stories van die see.

Illustrations by Marjorie van Heerden

Protea, 2016