Publications
Partners
Khumo Tapfumaneyi is one of five moms on a mission to empower African children by making diverse reading materials easily accessible through their online bookstore, Ethnikids.
Here she reviews 3 beautiful books teaching kids all about the man we're celebrating this month, each one available in a variety of SA languages.
Find free resources for little readers in our STORYTIME hub!
It's Mandela Month, and 2019 marks 10 years of celebrating Mandela Day on the 18th of July. Here are some great children's books to teach children about what a wonderful person and statesman Tata was.
All of these titles are available in multiple South African languages.
Mr Mandela and the Hare
Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela is one of the last stories Soweto-born Chris van Wyk wrote before he died. In the book the character Mr Hare finds a R200 note on his doorstep.
When he turns the note over, he sees Mr Mandela's face on it and he decides to brave the city lights of Jozi to give it back to him. But the problem is Mr Hare can't read and he comes across some funny characters along the way who want to get their hands on Mr Mandela's money.
Mr Hare also can't work out why the banknote keeps changing colour. A cute, funny story!
Long Walk to Freedom
The children's adaptation of the famous original 'Long Walk to Freedom' was also written by poet Chris van Wyk, and illustrated by South African artist Paddy Bouma.
The book's simplicity allows children to learn Madiba's inspirational story in a child-friendly format. It has been released in all eleven South African languages, making the story accessible to everyone.
The Herd Boy
This story (written by well-known South African children's book author Niki Daly) is about Malusi, a herd boy who tends to his grandfather's sheep and goats in the mountains of Transkei.
It's a tranquil, beautiful place but danger lurks in the form of baboons and other creatures who prey on his sheep. An old man in a beautiful car stops by to chat to Malusi and encourages him in his dream of becoming President one day.
'This beautiful picture book is about a boy who dares to dream of a big future. It is a story of empowerment, self-belief and leadership, and is inspired by the life of former president Nelson Mandela.' - Jacana Media.
May our children be inspired by the servant leadership and bravery displayed throughout Tata Mandela's life, as well as the wonderful contribution he made to South Africa and the world!
Chat back:
Share your children's book reviews with us, and we could publish your mail. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
