There were so many fantastic children's books published by top South African authors in 2024. These were the ones that caught my eye and made it onto my must-read list.
LORI-ANN’S PICKS FOR 2024
MY FIRST FROZEN ADVENTURE
Written by Riaan Manser with Murray Williams, Illustrated by Martinus van Tee
An EPIC, action-packed adventure! Riaan Manser and Dan Skinstad set off on a high-risk adventure to paddle around Iceland and explore the island. This book had me gripped from beginning to end.
SANDI AND THE SALTY SEA DOGS
Written by Monique Fallows, Illustrated by David Edwards
What an utterly DELIGHTFUL book! The narrator of this story is Sandi, a miniature collie. She shares a fantastical tale of her time out at sea. Brilliant photography and bright illustrations accompany this educational, fun-filled book.
COOKOFF AT GOGO’S SPAZA
Written by Salamina Mosese, Illustrated by Vian Oelofsen
A CHARMING story, guaranteed to delight young readers. Tumi thinks it would be great to enter Gogo into a cooking competition – everyone loves her cooking! This is such a feel-good, giant hug of a story!
TIPPIE’S SUPERPOWER
Written by José Palmer and Reinette Lombard, Illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
I am such a massive fan of the Tippie series of books! In this story, Tippie hangs out with his best friend Bud. They discuss chocolate brownies, bunny chow, the South African term ‘now-now’ and discover their superpowers. It’s a fun-filled, colourful, light-hearted read!
BIG SHOES TO FILL
Written by Upile uThixo Bongco, Illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
This heartwarming story about acceptance, understanding, and kindness is about Zinzo, who is teased by his classmates when he prepares to present his oral about his heroes - his two fathers. ‘Khulu explains to Zinzo how people are afraid of things they don’t understand. Children will surely love reading about Zinzo in this gorgeously illustrated picture book.
THE SPEEDY SIX OLYMPICS
Written by Roslynne Torien, Illustrated by Julie Smith-Belton
A clever rhyming story with beautiful illustrations. This story sets an exciting pace as readers wonder which wild creature will win a race. There is a lovely message from the wise owl about celebrating each other's unique gifts and talents. Overall, it is a STUNNING book that will undoubtedly bring a smile to every child!
I AM SHUDU
Written by Shudufhadzo Musida, Illustrated by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne
This heartwarming story is about resilience, hard work, and following your dreams. Shudu overcomes her challenging school years to achieve great heights – earning an education, winning the Miss South Africa crown, and engaging in fantastic charity work. What an inspirational woman!
SPRINGBOOKAROO
Written by Fanie Viljoen, Illustrated by Elsabé Ebersohn
A delightful, feel-good story! Children meet Springbookaroo – a springbuck who loves to read! Unfortunately, his friends are not interested in reading books. This story is a sure win for all children!
SELLO STANDS HIS GROUND
Written by Wendy Maartens, Illustrated by Alistair Ackermann
This is a most DELIGHTFUL tale! It is terrific for helping children see that feeling sad when presented with difficult situations is normal. I love the bright, engaging illustrations!
AYEN LEARNS TO DANCE
Written by Nancy Gaylard, Illustrated by Thuto Mvulane
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! Ayen wants to enter a dance competition and rises to the challenge of learning to dance while being Deaf. This uplifting story celebrates the value of good friends and dreaming big.
KEEGAN AND SAMIER – FRIENDSHIP TEST
Written by André Trantraal & Verushka Louw
LOVED it! Samia (Samier's twin) is not impressed by the arrival of a new girl, Alysha, at their school. You see, Alysha is better at Maths and a stronger runner than she is. Instead of being welcoming, Samia labels Alysha as a show-off. This is a touching story that children can relate to and learn from.
BEN GOES TO SCHOOL
Written by Zuléka Smit, Illustrated by Johann Strauss
An utterly gorgeous book! Ben doesn’t want to go to big school – it scares him. At break, he sits alone as he doesn’t have a friend like the other boys do. The story contains beautiful messages of self-love and uniqueness.
FLUFFY
Written by Jaco Jacobs, Illustrated by Imile Wepener
What a delightful story! Step-siblings Rudy and Judy are home alone with their dodgy babysitter, Megan. Rudy is not impressed at all! The children order pizza from an unusual app. Instead of a pizza being delivered, the children receive an alien! This story will surely spark children's imaginations in a most WONDERFUL way!
TRIXIE 2 & FAB FARM
Written by Lori-Ann Preston, Illustrated by Imile Wepener, and Nicole Hein
Of course, I couldn't finish this list without mentioning my two books that came out this year. Saddle up with Trixie and her bag of tricks, or meet Deedee and her Fabulous Farm, in these two fun and laugh-out-loud books.
And there you have it - my 2024 faves! If you haven’t read these yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy, get comfy, and let the adventures begin!