Episode 7: Why We Need This Children’s Book About Apartheid
In this episode I interview Xolisa Guzula, author and literacy scholar about her new book Together Apart: The Story of Living in Apartheid.
This is an important children's book. Yes, it’s been 30 years since Apartheid ended. And we still need to understand how it shaped South Africa in so many ways, both visible and invisible. Xolisa explains why she co-wrote this book now, with historian Athambile Masola (Ph.D) and how it can be shared with children to explain differences and promote caring and understanding.
I also talk about why getting children out of screens and into books is vital. With the Netflix series, Adolescence out, you need to know about the toxic Incel culture and what misogynistic voices our kids are exposed to. Let this series jolt you awake to become aware of what your children are consuming. And give them the love, support and safety they need at home to weather the truly difficult time of being a teenager in this crazy world. For support on this, contact Klik'd, a local company providing digital guidance to parents.
Finally we review three proudly South African books for your little ones, to inspire their self-belief and confidence. Brave Like Me is a true story of braveness in the face of discrimination by Zulaikha Patel, the gorgeous All That I Am – A collection Of South African Poems and Songs is edited by Refiloe Moahloli and The South African Alphabet of Affirmations has powerful kid's affirmations in all 11 languages.
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Episode 6: How to be a Children’s Book Illustrator
Award-winning author and illustrator Emily House shares her journey and tips on how to find your style, create a portfolio and pitch your work. Books reviewed include One More Story, a beautifully illustrated picture book about the adventure of reading, the hilarious Rabbit & Bear Series about a grumpy rabbit and a cheerful bear, and Storm Child, a young teen story following a surfer girl navigating her family’s financial difficulties.
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Episode 5: Kingsmead Young Writers’ Competition and Nicole Rimensberger
Get your child hooked on creative writing. The Kingsmead Young Writers’ Competition 2025 is open to all 6-18 year olds and it opens on February 3rd and closes on March 31st 2025. Entry forms here: https://kingsmead.co.za/bookfair/young-writers-comp/ywc-2025/
For tips on how to make your writing stand out and avoid some common pitfalls, we chat to author and judge, Nicole Rimensberger.
We then look at why we still LOVE fairy tales – and you should too - and review My First Lift the Flap Fairy Tales for ages 2-5.
Show And Tell by Marleen Lammers is a wonderful local book teaching acceptance and diversity for ages 5-7.
Finally, our parent’s pick is the bestselling Let Them by Mel Robbins. Find out why this mantra will leave you happier and less controlling.
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Episode 4: Holiday Reads for Kids – A Special from The Book Tree Podcast
Discover the best children’s books to buy, with Verushka Louw, Children's Sales Representative at Jonathan Ball Publishers. Find out why non-fiction books make the best gifts for kids, and get expert tips on how to get your children reading. Plus, we’re all joining the heartwarming “Jolabokaflod’ trend from Iceland where everyone cosies up with a good book on Christmas eve!
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Episode 3: Do You Want to Be A Children's Book Author?
Lori-Ann Preston, author of the Trixie and Thabo series, talks about her writing process, writing competitions, rejection letters, mischievous characters and the power of self-publishing.
Plus our favourite picture book of the year: Big Shoes To Fill, an exciting new debut from Upile uThixo Bongco. And The Garbage King, a moving story written by Elizabeth Laird for ages 10-15, about the power of courage and friendship between two boys living on the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Have you heard about the Substack phenomenon? Everyone's on it. We share a list of great children's book authors' substacks to follow.
Welcome to The Book Tree - a resource and home for children’s books and readers.
We find the best reads for your child – and you - by chatting to authors and illustrators, publishers and book store owners, literacy experts and teachers.
We also unpack issues around literacy and writing skills, finding ways to inspire and grow young readers and creative thinkers.
Your host is Corinne Rosmarin, journalist, children’s book author and organiser of the Kingsmead Young Writers’ Competition. Join us in exploring the ways, big and small, in which books and stories help us navigate life.
Oh, and by the way, we're always looking for book reviewers so there's free books up for grabs!
'There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not yet found the right book.' Author Frank Serafini
www.thebooktree.co.za
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