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Tales from South Africa
As all eyes look to South Africa for the World Cup, it's the perfect time to learn more about the nation's cultural heritage. From folktales to soccer stories to Nelson Mandela's childhood, these books offer a wonderful introduction to South Africa's people and natural environment. Many of the books also address the long struggle to overcome apartheid, gently opening the discussion for young readers with stories that are both realistic and hopeful.
When the people of Johannesburg go to bed, the animals of Kruger National Park begin to stir. Simple text and evocative watercolors bring the city and the national reserve to life and will inspire young children to think about what is happening in the natural world while they are sleeping. This edition is out of print but may be available in libraries.
"This heart-tugging picture book from a debut author tells a lyrical soccer story in the voice of a young boy in a South African shantytown… In full-page oil paintings, Ford uses unusual angles to intensify the sense of the scuffling, exciting action; the tense confrontation; and the reality of shantytown life." — Gillian Engberg, Booklist
A sister and brother travel to Johannesburg in search of their mother as their baby sister becomes ill. On the way, they become aware of what apartheid means for the people in their country. "This well-written [story] has no equal. Evocative and haunting." — School Library Journal
Meet young Rolihlahla, the boy who will grow up to become Nelson Mandela. "Cooper's oil paintings are infused with golden light. Elegant composition and subtle shifts in perspective add emotional value to the carefully focused account." — Carolyn Noah, School Library Journal
In his foreword to this rich compilation, Nelson Mandela writes, "This collection offers a handful of beloved stories, morsels rich with the gritty essence of Africa, but in many instances universal in their portrayal of humanity, beasts, and the mystical." Colorful vignettes add an extra dimension to the creation myths, trickster tales, and magical stories that Mandela has chosen.
Ethan Zohn is a professional soccer player, philanthropist, and lecturer. Through his series of international Soccer World books, Zohn shares ways that soccer can be used as a "common language" across cultures. In this edition, Zohn makes his way through South Africa, and takes readers from wildlife preserves to giant soccer stadiums — just in time for the World Cup!
When Thembi's family learns that South Africa will hold elections, her 100-year-old grandmother announces that she too will vote now that she has the opportunity. This story of quiet determination pays tribute to the people of South Africa and the privilege of casting a ballot. Pastel sketches convey the joy and warmth of the bond between Thembi and Gogo.
Thulani enjoys sitting in the sun, and he is tired of milking his cow. When he sells his cow to buy a goat, however, his problems are just beginning. What will it take for his luck change? "This is a fresh, funny variation on the 'Lazy Jack' theme, with illustrations done in a folkart style and filled with little details of South African rural life." — Barbara Kiefer, School Library Journal
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