Kingsmead Book Fair 2026 - Children's Programme

Zazi dreams about dancing, but she’s too scared to try. What if she’s not good enough? What will people say? With encouragement from her parents Zazi faces her fears and finds the courage to listen to her heart. Dance to your own beat is an inspiring story about following your dreams and allowing others to support you on the journey. This book is also available in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho and Afrikaans.

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In How Many Ways Can You Say Hello? Sara went on a hot air balloon adventure through South Africa to find out all the ways to say ‘hello’ and along the way she made many new friends who joined her at school to put on a show. Eventually, they made their way home and Sara learnt how to say ‘goodbye’ in How Many Ways Can You Say Goodbye? But now Sara is back in the hot air balloon and has decided to pay all her friends a visit. As they share their food, they learn all the ways to say thank you and express gratitude in all South Africa’s official languages (including sign). Young readers are invited to join them on this fun adventure, written in rhyming verse and beautifully illustrated. Plus, author Refiloe Moahloli has once again narrated the story, available as a downloadable link, to guide with pronunciation.

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It's a race against the clock! Twins Rorisang and Morena are excited for their class trip, but a forgotten permission slip sends their family on a chaotic morning chase. They manage to catch the bus, but a grumpy driver and a rule-breaking detour at the theme park threaten to turn their fun day upside down. Can the twins learn to follow the rules before the day spirals out of control? Book 3 in an early reading series that follows the adventures of the twins, Rorisang and Morena, and their family and friends. Based on the characters of the highly successful Know My Name and Part of a Team by the same author. Vividly brought to life in full colour by award-winning illustrator Katlego Keokgale. Available in four languages: English, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans.

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Neo loves adventures, but sometimes he feels a little scared. Luckily his sister, Thandi, is strong and brave and she has a clever plan to make Neo feel safe. She gives him a special blanket – an invisible blanket. And it works! He’s not even afraid of the tallest tree in the garden anymore. But will the invisible blanket help when Neo has to go to a new school … and participate in the swimming gala? An inspiring story about being brave and believing in yourself. This book is also available in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi and Afrikaans.

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Spoken-word poet Harold Green III's dazzling picture book is a reassuring lullaby for bedtime fears and an affirmation of the beauty and power of Black identity.As darkness settles over the forest, three animals gaze up at the night sky and wonder how they can be as confident, proud, and fearless as she is. Hearing their wishes, the sky takes the animals into her arms and, with a gentle embrace, bestows upon each a powerful and transformative gift. Harold Green III brings his vibrant poeticism to this new, richly lyrical folktale illustrated with luminous art by South African designer Karabo Poppy.

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Zizi’s World: Through her vanilla eyes is a heartwarming and inspiring story that encourages children to celebrate their individuality and treat others with respect and compassion. The story is centred around Zizi, a bright, confident girl living with albinism, and thanks to her loving parents, she has always felt proud of who she is. When her family moves to the big city and Zizi starts primary school, she begins to notice that there are so many different people in the world, and very few, if any, look like her. For the first time, she feels unsure of herself after some of her classmates are unkind. With her parents' support, Zizi learns to embrace her uniqueness and find strength in it.

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In this beautifully illustrated children’s picture book, we embark on a magical journey with Ausi, an ancient matriarchal ancestor, who shares the timeless secrets of nature with a group of little children. The children are guided by their wise Ausi and learn the connections between earth, water, fire, wind and the celestial bodies. They discover how these elements are not only vital for survival but also for nurturing a deep respect for the land. From understanding the sacredness of Mother Earth to learning how to read animal tracks and dance for rain, we learn the wisdom of living in harmony with nature. With Ausi’s guidance, the child narrator becomes a ‘magical scientist’, learning to listen to the earth’s whispers and honour her gifts. Ausi’s teachings are a celebration of life, love and the importance of preserving the world around us. Ausi Told Me invites young readers to step into a world of wonder, where nature’s secrets are passed down through generations, and every element is a treasure.

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Rorisang and her twin brother Morena don’t want to go to the market with Mama and Papa. They would rather stay home and dance and play games on the phone. But they end up having the best time playing at the market. And Mama has a wonderful surprise for them! Book 1 in an early reading series that follows the adventures of the twins, Rorisang and Morena, and their family and friends. Based on the characters of the highly successful Know My Name and Part of a Team by the same author. Vividly brought to life in full colour by award-winning illustrator Katlego Keokgale. Available in four languages: English, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans.

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It’s the school holidays. Rorisang and Morena’s cousins Wande and Litha are staying with them. Mama takes them to the roller-skating rink, where they all have a lot of fun. The boys race, and Morena wins, but he soon learns that pride comes before a fall ... Book 2 in an early reading series that follows the adventures of the twins, Rorisang and Morena, and their family and friends. Based on the characters of the highly successful Know My Name and Part of a Team by the same author. Vividly brought to life in full colour by award-winning illustrator Katlego Keokgale. Available in four languages: English, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans.

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It's the middle of the night when a giant pine tree falls, leaving Rorisang and Morena's family without power. Their Saturday plans are ruined, but Papa and Mama have an idea for free fun at home: mgusha, a jumping game. Soon, all the kids on the street join in, turning the game into a street bash and a championship. Mama, a former high jumper, becomes the star, leading Team Ngam to victory. The power is restored, but the kids are still outside playing mgusha, proving that the best things in life are free. Book 4 in an early reading series that follows the adventures of the twins, Rorisang and Morena, and their family and friends. Based on the characters of the highly successful Know My Name and Part of a Team by the same author. Vividly brought to life in full colour by award-winning illustrator Katlego Keokgale. Available in four languages: English, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans..

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Butterfly Heart follows the close friendship between two young girls. Neo and Mosa are best friends who share everything and have heart-shaped stones to remind them of their special connection. But when Mosa’s heart begins to slow, Neo must face the pain of watching her best friend struggle with an illness. As Mosa’s heart grows weaker, Neo learns about the fragility of life, the power of memories and the comfort of knowing that love never truly stops. Through sweet, simple moments of childhood joy, Butterfly Heart gently explores themes of friendship, loss and healing. Neo holds onto her stone heart and the memory of sharing laughter with her friend. She finds solace in the fluttering butterflies that remind her that Mosa’s spirit will always be with her. Many families and communities have their own ways of dealing with grief. But often, children are left on the sidelines, unsure of what is happening or how to feel. Butterfly Heart opens a gentle, thoughtful path for children and adults to begin talking about death and grief together. A tender, lyrical story for young children learning to navigate grief through the enduring power of friendship. Also available in Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho and Xitsonga.

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Milani loves to sing, especially in the mornings, when the rooster crows. The birds in her father’s chicken coop greet the day with their songs. But Milani is a shy girl, and she only feels free to sing when no one is watching. One day, her father discovers her hidden talent and encourages her to sing at school – but when the big moment comes, Milani freezes. Overcome with fear and embarrassment she runs away, vowing never to sing again. Can her teacher, Mrs. Jiya, help Milani find the courage to share her beautiful voice with the world? Milani’s Gift is a heartwarming story about overcoming fear, finding your voice and discovering the joy that comes from sharing your gifts with others. Perfect for young readers who need a little encouragement to be brave and shine! Also available in Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho and Xitsonga.

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Step into a whimsical world of culinary magic with "The Witching Kitchen" by Martinus van Tee.   When the moon is full and the planets align, a peculiar chill in the spine signals the perfect time for a fabulous stew. Join a quirky grandmother and her curious granddaughter in the kitchen as they prepare an extraordinary dish passed down through generations.   From a cauldron carved from a meteorite to ingredients like a green dragon's breath and a dodo's plume, this enchanting recipe is anything but ordinary. With a dash of humour and a sprinkle of the bizarre, "The Witching Kitchen" is a delightful tale that will leave readers of all ages bubbling with laughter.    Perfect for fans of whimsical stories and magical adventures, this picture book is a recipe for fun.

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