Making Friends with Feelings

The other kids say boys shouldn't cry...but Lubabalo's best advice comes from a voice inside him. MAKING FRIENDS WITH FEELINGS is a compassionate story that teaches boys that it is OK to cry when you are sad. And that it is healthy to express your emotions. A book for all the boys out there. Boys who hide their feelings because they are taught to do so.

Sewela Langeni: Sewela Langeni is the owner of Book Circle Capital, an independent bookshop focusing on African literature based at 27 Boxes in Melville, Johannesburg. She is passionate about literacy, especially for children. Her academic background spans from Journalism and Communication Sciences to Marketing. She holds a master’s degree in strategic marketing and consulting (Cum Laude) from the University of Birmingham, UK. She’s an avid reader and reviewer of local books for adults and kids. In her role at Book Circle Capital, she also facilitates conversations with authors on their books. Founded by Loyiso Langeni, the bookshop idea was born out of a need to create a space where African stories can be curated and celebrated. Sewela has created exten-sive networks in the South African literacy and book publishing space. Book Circle Capital has been profiled in various South African media platforms including Mail & Guardian, The Star, SAFM, KayaFM, Channel Africa, SABC and eNews. Subi Bosa: After studying Architecture Subi Bosa realised his passion was in illustration. He became a freelancer, working with self-publishing authors worldwide and was awarded a Mo Siewcharran Publisher’s Prize for Illustration in 2020. In 2022 The Girl With 21 Questions a picture book illustrated by Subi and published by Pan MacMillan, won the gold Pendoring award for best designed picture book. His wordless comic Miyayu had its first issue released in 2021, published by Imagnary House, and the book’s fame sparked the Kingsmead Book Fair to invite Subi to host a comic-making workshop, which was a great success. Subi is based in Cape Town, South Africa, producing picture books, comics, graphic novels and a podcast for creatives titled ‘Subi and Kate Circling Back’. His art and illustration work is represented internationally by The Bright Agency.