3–8 years

This book is boring, Benoit Knox

(BK Publishing)

Designed to entice children who think reading is boring, this book offers adventure, mystery and fantasy to spark children’s imaginations and make them fall in love with reading. With short, lively text and beautiful illustrations, children will discover that reading isn’t just about staring at words on a page; it’s an invitation to adventure and new worlds. Packed with humour and imagination, this book is a bridge between picture and full story books. It will encourage children to explore different types of stories and discover what they love to read. It includes reading tips and creative activities that help children engage with the story and improve comprehension in fun ways.

5–8 years

It’s a Wandaful World, Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tlali

(Jacana Media)

Wanda has big, beautiful, curly hair, somewhat unruly like a bird’s nest, according to her teacher, and bushy, according to the two boys who tease her unmercifully. But Wanda’s mother teaches her positivity, proclaiming that Wanda is a queen and her hair a crown. Guided by her mother’s and grandmother’s wisdom, Wanda soon learns that beauty lies in self-love and develops the confidence to embrace her hair and identity. This delightful book, featuring two Wanda stories, celebrates cultural heritage, family bonds and friendship.

Thokozani the Eland, Gcina Mhlophe

(Jacana Media)

A story about a young and spirited eland with the power to transform into a human. When drought, fire and an influx of snakes send the land into crisis, Thokozani will have to face his fears and speak to the humans to broker peace. It’s a heartfelt story of adventure, wisdom and unity that reminds readers of the importance of connection and working together. The book is available in English and Zulu.

7–12 years

Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room, Hugh Bonneville

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

Rory Sparkes is a boy with big aspirations, a schoolboy dreamer – he might become a strongman and travel the world with the circus or a cowboy. But things turn upside down and spiral out of control when the circus arrives in town, and his annoying big sister Clare plans a prank. He makes friends with the young members of the circus, including its elephant, which he engages to help raise funds for a model boat for his best friend, Guy. But will Rory’s plans pan out? This heartwarming story is filled with humour and adventure.

8–12 years

Scaredy Cat, Lisa Williamson

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

This is the fourth book in the Bigg School series. Ajay is good at lots of things – he’s an ace at board games and science –  but he is afraid of spiders, heights, the dark and more. He doesn’t love the outdoors and is dreading the school trip to the Merrywood Activity Centre, knowing it will push him out of his comfort zone. Homesick and at the mercy of the competitive and koud-mouthed Ollie Marsden, Ajay must face a twilight orienteering challenge that goes horribly wrong and discovers he’s braver than he thinks. Readers will relate to Ajay and his fears and will share in his triumph. It’s a fun, comforting and wise book.

10–12 years

Leo and Ralph, Peter Carnavas

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

Leo and Ralph are best friends, a friendship that started when Ralph arrived from one of Jupiter’s moons. Together, they enact games and talk about all things space-related, and sometimes they sit quietly enjoying each other’s company. Leo’s parents think that now Leo is older, it is time the friendship ended. When they move to a small country town, they hope Leo might say goodbye to Ralph and find a real friend. However, it is hard to say goodbye to your BFF, and Leo is worried that he won’t make new friends, which is what happened at his previous school. This wonderful, heart-warming story of family and friendship tackles the issues of saying goodbye, starting again and differences and acceptance.

Find out more about reading and other recommonded books here.

Non-fiction

Kids’ Cape Town guidebook & activities, Jeanne Bonnema and Emma Cleworth

(Struik Travel & Heritage)

This colourfully illustrated guide for children aged 6–12 introduces six of Cape Town’s top destinations – Table Mountain, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Boulders Beach and Robben Island. It’s packed with stories and trivia about each site,  there’s puzzles and games, pages to colour in and things to make. The best companion for exploring the city and improving children’s general knowledge.

Explore the Shore, Charles and Matthew Griffiths

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

This book will introduce readers to the world of wonder along South Africa’s coastlines. Find out about sea anemones that fight one another to defend territories and how a starfish moves. Did you know that snails surf the waves in search of food? Does the paper nautilus really have a shell? Discover these and more interesting facts about our marine life with this informative book, which will surely make children of all ages enthusiastic shore explorers..

The Cookies Cookbook

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

This book, with its delightful, slightly squishy cover shaped like a giant cookie, contains 30-plus quick and easy recipes for making cookies, bars and icing/frosting. From fun-size chocolate chip cookies, rainbow-speckled cookies and heart-shaped cookies to earthquake cookies, snickerdoodles and rocky road fudge, young children will have fun experimenting in the kitchen. The recipes are beautifully illustrated, the directions are simple enough to follow, and super fun to make and eat.

With thanks to the publishers and authors who made the books available for review.