Exclusive Books has compiled a wish list of great books, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Here is a selection of some of the best non-fiction buys, as well as a brand-new book for the children’s Christmas stocking.

 

In this, his second cookbook, renowned South African chef Reuben Riffel shares his favourite local ingredients, highlighting seasonal items and South African producers. Jos Baker, associate editor of Platter’s South African Wines and author of Preserving a House, says: “The easy instructions allow you to capture the flavours of South Africa, whether from sea, earth, field or orchard simply and successfully in your own kitchen, producing dishes guaranteed to become instant favourites with family and friends.” The book is a true celebration of South African ingredients, which reflect the author’s upbringing and the country in which he lives and works.

 

In this moving account of his work with chimpanzees, Eugene Cussons, host of Animal Planet’s Escape to Chimp Eden and director at Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden Sanctuary, tells a story of devotion, survival and renewal. As director of this sanctuary, he is committed to rescuing abused and abandoned chimpanzees all over the world, but most notably in war-torn countries like Angola and the Sudan. A tireless champion of man’s closest relative, the author risks life and limb, and battles bureaucratic red tape in his rescue efforts. Saving Chimpanzees recounts his experiences on the many rescue missions he has undertaken.

 

Mathilda Slabberts and Dawid de Villiers worked closely with the Kramers for over four years to complete this revealing biography. They had extensive access to both David and Renaye, his wife, and to the Kramers’ huge home archive. From the Worcester of Kramer’s childhood, where he first discovered his talent as performer, this biography follows him to the UK where he studied textile design before returning to SA to release his first album Bakgat! Though banned by the SABC, the album nevertheless paved the way for his success with albums such as The Story of Blokkies Joubert and Delicious Monster.

 

Children aged nine to 13 will be ecstatic to see the sixth book in the series released by Penguin later this year. The comic adventures of Greg Heffley and his family has taken the world by storm. Why not invest in the entire series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth. Last year, the best-selling book was turned into a film with Zachary Gordon as Greg, Steve Zahn as his dad and Rachael Harris as mom.

 

South Africans calling for our moral compass to be reactivated need look no further than Zapiro’s latest annual. Once again Zapiro acts as our national conscience and ensures that no event passes by without comment… or laugh. Packed with biting humour and cutting-edge satire, The Last Sushi showcases this year’s cream of the crop from SA’s sharpest cartoonist. Kevin ‘Kal’ Kallaugher, award-winning cartoonist for The Economist says, “Zapiro’s willingness to step into controversy and call out the deficiencies in South Africa’s new democracy, make him possibly the most important cartoonist in the world.” This collection is funny, mischievous and accurate.