Featured books

Simphiwe is a magical child. He works together with the other animals to rescue the Bird of Peace from the ugly monster called the Terrible Graakwa. The main concepts that are carried throughout the telling and teaching of the story include identifying and discussing the characters (on pages 2, 3, 4 and 5), wild animals (included in the characters), plurals and direct speech. Additional concepts include opposites, animal sounds (on page 5), animal coats, animal tracks, working together, bravery and problem solving.

A little girl lives with her grandmother, Mama and baby sister. They have many animals that live in the yard. One dark night the little girl and her family are frightened because they hear strange noises. What can it be? The main concepts that are carried throughout the telling and teaching of the story include domestic or farm animals, animal sounds, opposites and sequencing. Additional concepts include fears, danger and families.

A full-colour activity book designed to develop key skills for five-year-olds. The loveable Smart-Kids characters make learning fun so children find the activities fun and enjoyable.  Detailed notes support parents; the notes explain the purpose of activities and give parents ideas for extending the activities. Includes early Numeracy, Literacy and Life Skills activities; full colour activity book with beautiful illustrations and photographs; 60 removable stickers; written by experienced South African Early Childhood Development educators; activities include: simple comprehension, counting, pre-handwriting, perception, size, colour, patterns, movement and many more.

'Oh no!' is the story of Dangoes, who has many things to do but falls ill and can’t do them. When she’s better, it starts to rain! 'Oh no!' forms part of the The Little Explorers series, which takes children on a journey to teach them more about the world around them. Each title is beautifully illustrated and easy for children to read themselves.

'Swimming in the Sun' is part of a delightful new series by Jenny Hatton exquisitely brought to life by award-winning illustrator, Joan Rankin. Children will easily relate to the stories which reflect true to life events such as going on a journey, moving house and a visit to the beach. The rhythmic text of the Lucy books will help build children’s reading skills and confidence while they are absorbed in the humorous illustrations and the lives of Lucy’s family. A free activity Sheet is downloadable at http://www.jacana.co.za/teachers-and-librarians. This can be used alongside a book reading at a Library, in the classroom or at home.

'Go!' is part of the Little Hands Books for Babies 2 set of board books specially designed to promote and nurture reading from early childhood. This is the second box set of four from Jacana Media and the Little Hands Trust, with a focus on
vocabulary building and reading for enjoyment. Illustrated by Marna Hattingh, the stories are accompanied by rich, brightly coloured illustrations that will capture a child’s attention and imagination. The stories are brought to life by well known South African writers – Carole Bloch and Zukiswa Wanner.

Sanele is afraid of the dark. She hears strange noises and can’t sleep. She thinks there are monsters under her bed and a lion in the house. What will help Sanele sleep at night? This book brings together two of South Africa’s most gifted children’s talents – Joan Rankin and Dianne Stewart. A free activity sheet is downloadable at http://www.jacana.co.za/teachers-and-librarians. This can be used alongside a book reading at a library, in the classroom or at home.

The Cool Nguni is a richly illustrated story about a young Nguni calf who questions his identity in relation to other cattle breeds from across the sea. His patient and loving mother listens to his praise-singing and then responds by telling him a tale of the origins and importance of his own breed, the indigenous Nguni. She also explains the names of his relatives and shows him the multi-coloured and patterned hides which make Nguni cattle unique. The 15 hand-painted original illustrations and sensitive text draw upon Africa’s love and respect for Nguni cattle, explaining the importance and myths surrounding cattle to a new generation.

'Finding Aunt Joan' forms part of a delightful new series by Jenny Hatton exquisitely brought to life by award-winning illustrator, Joan Rankin.  Children will easily relate to the stories which reflect true to life events such as going on a journey, moving house and a visit to the beach. The rhythmic text of the Lucy books will help build children’s reading skills and confidence while they are absorbed in the humorous illustrations and the lives of Lucy’s family. A free activity sheet is downloadable at http://www.jacana.co.za/teachers-and-librarians. This can be used alongside a book reading at a Library, in the classroom or at home.