Kingsmead Children's 2024

The seas are alive, the waters are alive. From the smallest fish to the biggest whale. It is all alive. It is all alive. Zandi dreams of the big blue ocean and bright colourful fish even though she lives far away from the sea and hasn’t learnt to swim. One day the sea gives her a gift that changes everything. Zandi goes on an adventure full of amazing discoveries but something is threatening this magical world … is the key to protecting it buried in stories from the past? An empowering and inspiring story about our connection to the natural world, following your dreams, and caring for the environment.

Read more less

In the heart of the wild, a remarkable event unfolded—an extravagant show known as the Animal Olympics. Creatures of all kinds came together, driven by curiosity and the dream of discovering who would earn the esteemed title of the fastest in the land. From speedy sprinters to graceful fliers, a lively array of participants eagerly lined up for this thrilling race. The early rounds were a vibrant display of differences and determination, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Excitement escalated as finalists were chosen, but just as victory seemed imminent, nature threw an unexpected twist into the competition. Amidst the chaos and unforeseen challenges, the race evolved into a celebration of uniqueness and the special abilities each animal possessed. Who will claim the title of the speediest animal in the wild? You’ll have to read the story and find out for yourself.

Read more less

A new family has moved in next door. Vuyo can see them from his bedroom window. The mom is dancing, the dad is laughing, the dog keeps wagging its tail … Why does the little girl look sad? A lyrical book about friendship and kindness that encourages young children to accept and support others. Also available in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi

Read more less

Join a spirited group of young explorers on an African Safari adventure! Packed with excitement, curiosity, and their favourite game, “Let’s Ask Questions”, they set off to encounter the famed Big Five and extend their awe to the lesser celebrated yet equally captivating “Forgotten Four” - the gentle giraffe, hefty hippo, swift warthog, and mesmerizing zebra. Through thrilling encounters and newfound knowledge, they discover the magic of African wildlife and the vital importance of conservation. Come along on this enlightening odyssey celebrating the diverse tapestry of Africa’s incredible fauna.

Read more less

In July 2009, Manser set another world first when he became the first person to circumnavigate the world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar, by kayak - also alone and unaided. This colossal journey, which saw him paddle 5000km in eleven months, was, he said, considerably more demanding, both physically and mentally. Conquering extreme loneliness whilst enduring treacherous conditions like pounding seas, cyclones and an unrelenting sun which, combined with salt water, almost pickled him alive. During his circumnavigation he had many memorable close encounters with Madagascar’s marine life – humpback whales breaching metres away from his kayak, giant leatherback turtles gliding alongside him and even having his boat rammed by a shark. Riaan travelled around Madagascar during a period of extreme political turmoil & he landed up in prison 5 times, the last time being 3 nights on suspicion of carrying out mercenary activities. In April 2010, Manser’s efforts were rewarded with his second accolade, “Out There Adventurer of the Year 2009” and “Around Madagascar on my Kayak”, his book recounting his amazing feat, also received acclaim.

Read more less

This is an African story of a boy and a baby elephant, and their unexpected friendship as they journey to reunite Zoya with his elephant herd. The baby elephant is guided by the intrepid boy and a growing coterie of animals. A tender, often amusing, take on the age-old African story of nature and humankind existing together in mutual respect. Their conversations are filled with beautiful African proverbs and life lessons that raise awareness of the plight of Elephants and the need to protect them. The text, by Caroline Montague, is evocative of the African bush, its people and wildlife and their vital importance in the fast-disappearing natural world. Beautifully illustrated by the artist Richie Ryall, this book which will appeal to adults and children as a compelling tale of friendship, courage and hope in the face of adversity. Published in partnership with Elephants Alive, Zoya and Naru is a book which will raise awareness of the plight of elephants and the urgent need to protect them before it’s too late. Elephant lovers and conservationists are currently working against time to tackle the ivory trade, and to create new corridors for animals to move safely across borders as they once did. We are all, as this poignant story reminds us, custodians of our precious environment and the wildlife of Africa. This marvellous book, with its backdrop of survival in the wilds of Africa, makes our duty crystal clear.

Read more less

The world is a lonely place when you don't have any friends, so you will understand why twelve-year-old Tia's face has frozen in a permanent scowl since her best friend, Nina, emigrated to Australia. Forced to go on a school camping trip, she is stuck in the rain in a tent with three girls she is determined to hate: Thandolwethu the greedy drama queen; Kayla, the juvenile delinquent; and Gugu, the mouse. A burst of temper alienates her from the boys in her soccer team, especially Ahmed, her childhood playmate; leaving her completely friendless. But Nature softens the toughest seeds, and the ancient Magaliesberg that has borne the tragedies and heroism of South Africa's past has secret powers at work on Tia and the others. Amidst the beautiful mountains, wrenched from WhatsApp and TikTok, the children find their senses re-awakened by the icy pools that make their skin tingle; by the startling, bright birds that flit amongst them; and by the delicious taste of salty butter melting in potatoes hot from the fire. Inspired by the 'Go-away bird', they rediscover their imaginations and talents and return to the age-old tradition of trickery and revenge. The results are thrilling, hilarious, and infuriating. Tia grows boobs overnight; Tristan strips down to luminous green underwear; and their teacher, Miss Nightingale, unknowingly sits on top of one of the girls in the middle of the night. It is when the four girls are punished for something they did not do, that Tia cracks open and finally begins to face her loss and loneliness.

Read more less

“Spiders, snakes, ghosts, skeletons, vampires? She loved them all. The scarier the better, in her opinion. But ballerinas? She couldn’t imagine anything worse.” Meet Bongi. She loves aliens. She loves spiders and she loves all sorts of scary stuff!There are only two things Bongi doesn’t like: pink and ballet. So when her mom signs her up for ballet classes for a term, Bongi can’t think of anything worse! But then she comes up with the perfect plan: She’s going to sabotage the class so much that she gets kicked out!Will Bongi be able to weird her way out of tutus and pink leotards or will she learn to love pirouettes and pliés?

Read more less

Welcome to Deedee’s Fabulous Farm! Got a gaggle of geese that needs a good home? Is your pet mouse eating all your cheese? Does your grumpy cat meow too loudly? Look no further – Deedee’s back garden is open for any and all animals in need! She just has three problems: 1. Her parents are absolutely SCARED STIFF of animals, big or small. 2. If the neighbourhood grump Mr Crusty finds out about her farm, she’ll be in a whale of trouble! And … 3. Just how big are some of these animals gonna get?! Find out in Fab Farm!

Read more less

I am a Curious brown boy. I explore the world around me ... I am an accepting brown boy. I respect people who are different from me. Remarkable me is an empowering book of positive affirmations for brown boys. This book teaches boys to embrace and celebrate their unique talents and interests, while encouraging them to dream big and to be creative. Build confidence and resilience from a young age with easy-to-follow rhyming text and bright inclusive illustrations that reflect proudly South African children. Also available in Sesotho, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans

Read more less

The first day at a new school is always challenging - but even more so when you’re Deaf. Ayen’s first day starts out well - her new teacher knows Sign Language and some of the children are very friendly. But then things start to go very wrong: some other kids start teasing and bullying Ayen and the school really isn’t equipped to be Deaf friendly or accessible. Will Ayen be able to face all the challenges that come with being different?

Read more less