0–5 years
Mr Fitchelstein’s Safari, Lauri Kubuitsile

(Modjaji Books & Sunflower Books)

Mr Fitchestein, called Fitchy, by his friends, Bobo, Helen the hedgehog, Mr Mustard, the bear, Miss Kitty, and Buddy the cow-giraffe, want to go on safari, but how? They devise a plan to use Fitchy’s wheeled playpen as a safari truck, and off they go around the house. On their safari, they see and experience exciting things. But, they also have a scary encounter with Buster the dog. Luckily Daddy comes to the rescue and takes them to the garden to admire the trees and the flowers. Coming back into the house, they examine the books in the dining room, then listen to Mom playing her guitar and singing until they fall asleep. A sweet story that little children will adore.

2–5 years
The Rabbit, the Cloud and the Rainy Day, Nicola O’Byrne

(Modjaji Books & Sunflower Books)

This picture book is about a bossy rabbit who wants to fish. But it is raining and he does not like getting wet. He catches the rain cloud with his fishing rod and stuffs it in his backpack. His friend Duck loves the rain and wants Rabbit to learn about the importance of rain. He tries to convince Rabbit to release the cloud. Finally, Rabbit is swayed by the promise of a lovely surprise and he lets the cloud out. He is then overjoyed to find a rainbow! This book will teach young children about experiencing big feelings, empathy and viewing the world from different viewpoints.

Night Flight, Katie Cottle

(Penguin Random House)

Ellie moves from a quiet village surrounded by fields and forest to a big, busy city. She is disappointed to find that the many birds she loved watching are missing, despite her searching everywhere. One night, a giant starling visits her and takes her to a hilltop. There it explains about light pollution and how it causes the stars to be blanked out. Starling explains that the birds need the stars to navigate, which is why they are now lost. Ellie has a plan, but will it work? Can she help the birds? Can she get others involved? An inspiring and uplifting story about light pollution, saving the birds, using your voice and making a difference.

Pandas Who Promised, Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

A delightful book about two red panda sisters, Popo and Ketu, who promise their mother they’ll stay close to home. However, Ketu is an adventurous soul who wants to go down the mountain to explore. Popo, happy to stay at home, must choose to keep her promise to Mama or go with Ketu and look after her sister. She decides to accompany Ketu, and so the two pandas set off on an adventure. While exploring, they have a frightening encounter. They face it with courage and return home safely. Themes of love, connection, adventure, keeping promises and responsibility weave throughout this story.

5–8 years
My Mad Scientist Mom, Saved by the Smell, Jarrett Lerner

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

Ari’s mom is a mad scientist whose inventions (and intentions) always seem to go wrong. Her latest invention, a time portal to return to when they had clean clothes, sees Ari, his mom and Fred, the pet turtle, whisked back to prehistoric times where they are threatened by a dinosaur that seems intent on devouring them. How will they escape? Lots of drama in this book, and the dialogue is snappy and humorous. Young children will be delighted to find out that, in the end, the reason for the invention is what ultimately saves Ari, his mom and Fred. This is a quirky, fun read with illustrative line drawings.

Pangolin Prophecy, Janet Barry

(Published by Chalk Creations and distributed by Jacana Media)

Set in South Africa, this story revolves around Kgaga, a pangolin struggling for survival in her habitat, and Baboloki, a compassionate Tswana man who has vowed to keep her and the other wildlife in his tribal area safe. Readers will learn about Kgaga’s habits, her environment and the dangers and threats she faces, especially as she has given birth to a pup. But Baboloki guards Kgaga and her pup as they explore, forage and feast, until that fateful day when the hunters come. This book aims to foster an understanding of wildlife conservation and educate readers about our duty to care for all people and animals.

8–12 years
Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable, Tom Percival

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

Unlikely friends Squirrel and Duck share a secret – they are the only two talking animals in the world! Despite their differences and constant bickering, they maintain a low profile in their home in a fibreglass tree in an abandoned theme park. But, the park is being demolished, and they are soon homeless. When they overhear two burglars talking about hiding a priceless artwork, Squirrel and Duck try to outwit the thieves and claim the artwork, but their search is not without trouble. The quarrelling between them escalates, but when Duck is endangered, Squirrel comes to the rescue. This is a hilarious story about friendship and sticking together.

Find some other previously recommended reads here and here.

For adults
The Gatsby Gambit, Claire Anderson-Wheeler

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

All the beloved characters from F Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel are back, wonderfully reimagined by the author in this mystery story set in Jay Gatsby’s West Egg mansion. The story revolves around Greta, Jay Gatsby’s sister, who returns from finishing school to reconnect with her brother and spend the summer among Jay’s rich, upper-class friends. When a guest is murdered on Jay’s boat, Greta, an avid reader of Agatha Christie murder novels, begins her own investigation, piecing together clues, unveiling the secrets and lies of the household and its inhabitants and shattering the illusion that wealth is the solution to life’s problems. Wonderfully detailed and meticulously plotted, the story pays homage to Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

The Lotus Shoes, Jane Yang

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

A carefully woven and beautifully written story about two girls from different backgrounds. One is a lady and the other a slave. Set in China at the end of the 19th century, a time of change when Western influences were being introduced and altering tradition, the story unfolds in alternating points of view, highlighting how frustrated the two characters are with the lives they are forced to live, according to societal ideals. This character-driven story reveals their struggles and growth. If you loved Arthur Golden’s Memoirs of a Geisha or any of Lisa See’s books, then this is a must-read; I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Being there, Tony Leon

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

As the former leader of the Democratic Alliance (from 2000–2007) and the longest-serving leader of the official opposition in parliament since the advent of democracy in 1994, Tony Leon has played an integral role in shaping South Africa’s political landscape. This book offers a first-hand account of the critical moments that defined South Africa’s history. He reflects on life in modern politics, from social media, fundraising, the many ‘what ifs’ that could change the course of South African politics and how one wrong move can change everything. Last year’s GNU discussions are widely discussed in the book, which is written with Leon’s trademark humour and flair. It gives a balanced insight into our country’s politics and is an important read.

Breaking Bread, Jonathan Jansen

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

In this memoir, Professor Jonathan Jansen, a prolific writer and educationalist who speaks openly about controversial issues, reflects on being raised by a loving, evangelical family, living on the Cape Flats, finding his purpose and following his passion for teaching and becoming a leading academic. Jansen is currently a distinguished professor of education at the University of Stellenbosch. His artful storytelling makes you feel as though you are sitting around the dining room, breaking bread with him, while chatting about life and his experiences. His wisdom and insights into all aspects of South African society make this an enjoyable read that also informs.

Parenting Different, Sarah Hayden

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

This insightful book will help parents raise their neurodivergent children to be authentic and awesome and thrive in a neurotypical world. It is filled with reassurance, guidance and support to help parents of neurodivergent children navigate the journey, covering everything from autism presentation, diagnosis, family life, siblings, schooling and puberty to therapy, food and everything in between. The author shares about her daughter’s autism diagnosis, how that transformed her expectations and the way she parented, and how a family bound together by love ensured their child had a place in the world where the focus was on their strengths rather than their perceived “deficits”.

Breakfast, Lunch, Tea with Children, Rose Carrarini

(Jonathan Ball Publishers)

A recipe book containing over 50 simple and delicious recipes to prepare with children, from Rose Carrarini, founder of the iconic Rose Bakery in Paris. The collection, inspired by her culinary adventures with her grandchildren, celebrates family cooking rituals and the fun of cooking with children. It is filled with practical advice and step-by-step instructions that cooks of all ages can follow easily. The recipes vary in complexity, and include gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. There are recipes for breakfasts, brunches, dinners, and wonderful sweet treats to tempt taste buds, including turmeric cake, which Carrarini says is especially for teenagers who feel they have outgrown cupcakes with sprinkles.

Thanks to Modjaji Books, Jacana Media, Penguin Random House and Jonathan Ball Publishers for the review copies.