for kids

articles

• The Official Lego Annual 2013 (Ladybird Books)
• The Guinness World Records 2013
• Book Review: My Copan Adventure by Eugene Ruble
• Review of iPad eBooks for kids
• Choosing books for your kids
• Reviews of great kids books for 2-5yr olds
• A Kite’s Flight by William Gumede – Quick Review
• Recommended Xmas books and a CD
• Jock of the Bushveld on stage, family entertainment at its best!

Review by Tiffany Markman, mom to a one-year-old, tries to balance her workaholism with cuddling her daughter, reading books, consuming caffeine & reining in her intrinsic kugelry. Follow her on twitter.

Our daughter is almost 20 months old, and a major milestone in our family was when she developed an interest in Lego. Some parents get excited about their child being able to ride a scooter or draw a picture or eat with a fork – for us, it was Lego.

Granted, she’s still busy with the big Lego, called Duplo, but we’re all having a ball. She’s constantly asking to ‘build a tower, mommy’. Her daddy is in heaven. And so I was super-chuffed to see that Lego publishes nice big books as well.

The Official Lego Annual 2013 starts out very cool, featuring on its cover a plastic window that has ‘2013’ spelled out in Lego pieces. Inside are stories, activities and sections with different themes, like policemen, firemen, ambulance drivers, pilots, ninjas, warriors, etc. There are puzzles, word searches, spot-the-difference challenges and true or false questions, and every now and then there’s a comic strip.

It’s all bright and busy, with lots to do and loads of little details to come back to.

However, I have two problems with the Annual.

One is that, in parts, it appears to highlight violent behaviour: there are lots of weapons, a prison break, nasty baddies, dangerous missions, etc. (but I could be completely out of touch with what’s involved in entertaining a five-year-old, given that 5+ is the recommended age for this book).

The other is that little girls like Lego too, but there is little in this book that my daughter would love – barring some fun references to emoticons, doctors and Red Riding Hood. Again, I may expect too much.

Bottom line? If you have or know a little boy who is Lego-obsessed and knows all about Ninjago, the Masters of Spinjitzu and the Hero Factory, the Annual is a must.

 Click here to order this book online from Red Pepper Books

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Review by Tiffany Markman, mom to a one-year-old, tries to balance her workaholism with cuddling her daughter, reading books, consuming caffeine & reining in her intrinsic kugelry. Follow her on twitter.

I’ve been told more than once by friends who work at bookstores that the most commonly stolen book is the bible. Who’d have thought? Well, this book is allegedly number two on that list of dubious distinction: The Guinness World Records.

It’s an annual reference book that contains a collection of world records: both human achievements and extremes of the natural world. In the 2013 edition we find out:

Who’s smaller – the new shortest man or the heaviest newborn baby?

Who weighs more – the largest donkey or the heaviest hot dog?

What’s the biggest killer – the largest shark or the most dangerous road?

Who’d win in a race – the world’s fastest man or the new fastest sheep?

This edition has all of the stuff I loved as a kid: the disgusting metre-long fingernails, the full-body tattoos and the mammoth spiders, but there’s a free Augmented Reality app (for both iOS and Android) that supposedly brings records to life in 3D.

The layout is bright, if a little busy, and the ‘Actual Size’ button is fabulous. The range of topics is also broader than I remember, extending into tiny niches of pop culture, space travel, sports and engineering. Star Wars even has a dedicated section.

Kids from age 7 or so up will pore over the new Guinness World Records, exclaiming at the coolness, the grossness and the amazingness. Adults just won’t be able to help themselves. And it’s an interesting tome to have lying around the house.

(Quick-‘n’-quiet confession: We keep our Guinness World Records in the loo.)

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Reviewer: Fiona Ingram, a  South African writer who loves books, travel, animals, antiques, and adventures of all kinds! Read Fiona’s author siteand find out about her recently published children’s adventure novel

Genre: Adventure/Historical

Reading Level: 7-12

Paperback: 20 pages

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

ISBN: 9781616331986

Rating: 4 four stars 

Available from Kalahari

Twelve-year-old James Questor accompanies his father, a Harvard professor, to the Copan Valley, Central America where the professor is investigating the ancient ruins of the city of Copan. Not only is this an adventure for the curious boy, brimful of questions, but it’s also a way of stepping back in time and learning about the ancient Mayan culture that disappeared inexplicably. Experts have proposed a variety of theories: was it war, famine, overbuilding, the lack of water? No one knows, but for James, this is an opportunity to study history up close by exploring the ruins and examining the remains of frescoes, artifacts, and hieroglyphics. Filling in as his father’s assistant is a great way of digging into the past. James is fascinated by what they find on their expedition: not only ruins, but also the remains of huge pyramids, and tall stone slabs called stelae, covered in ancient Mayan writing. Through his questions, James learns about the magnificent Mayan culture that stretched from southern Mexico to northern Honduras.

This is a wonderful book for curious and adventurous kids, eager to learn through having fun. James uses maps to trace their journey, and the beautifully detailed illustrations and maps are a visual feast. The author is a gifted artist and his images are simply wonderful. Just studying the illustrations will teach a keen young reader so much. This is the kind of book that makes learning fun and which young readers will want to treasure.

by Melanie Minnaar, mom to ‘archangels’, Michael and Gabriel, Managing Director of  Halo – a full service advertising agency, founder of SA Twitter Blanket Drive ( #TBDZA). If she wasn’t in marketing she would be an activist for meaningful change and worthy causes. You can follow her on twitter

My iPad is a serious, non-salaried team member of my workforce which I would like to be taken seriously in the workplace. However, I must confess that the lure and attraction of the thousands of Children’s apps available was too great a temptation – and now too ingrained in our family time.  In addition to anything-Dr. Seuss which now lives comfortably on my device, these are my Top 5 iPad story apps for children:

NUMBERLYS

Numberlys is an interactive story app from Moonbot Studios which tells the story of the world where only numbers exist. That is until a group of friends decide that there has to be more out there and through trial and error they inadvertently create the alphabet.  This is a favorite with both my 2yr old and 7yr old who can both, for a change, jointly participate in an app.  The interactive parts are all centered around creating new letters in various fun ways.

Available from the Apple App Store.

NIGHTY NIGHT!

This interactive bedtime story app has proved to be such a hit with my 2 year old. Surprisingly, the interactivity doesn’t seem to overstimulate him before bedtime but actually calms him down ready for sleep.  It is a very simple story of a farmhouse where the lights need to be turned off in each of the rooms by your child so that the animals can go to sleep. The animation is beautiful and engaging.

Available from the Apple App Store.

CARS 2 WORLD GRAND PRIX READ & RACE

I don’t believe there are any little boys who don’t love the Cars movie franchise… This book allows your child to role play as they read by creating their own racing cars which then get to race against Lightning McQueen and Francesco when the story is finished.  The quality is as you have come to know from Disney/Pixar and there is 3D race car customization.

Suitable for ages 4-7.

Available from the Apple App Store.

POOH’S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

This is a wonderful Disney Learning interactive storybook best suited for 3-5 year olds.  As your child follows the word-by-word narration they are invited to join in the birthday party planning with all the beloved characters from the Hundred-Acre Wood.

My 2 year old is fascinated by the the puzzles and problem-solving challenges presented throughout the story.

Available from the Apple App Store.

MARCH OF THE DINOSAURS

My 7 year old is nuts about dinosaurs – and crazy about this app.  March of the Dinosaurs is an interactive story book based on the NatGeo C

hannel ‘s “Escape of the Dinosaurs” and created with team members who worked on the BBC’s “Walking With Dinosaurs”.  Your child will experience 3D views of most Arctic dinosaurs.  You can follow the story page by page or jump ahead to your favorite sections.  There are loads of detailed fact pages for each species.  This app will grow with your child and even parents will learn something new every time you open the app.

Available from the Apple App Store.

by Fiona Ingram, a  South African writer who loves books, travel, animals, antiques, and adventures of all kinds! Read Fiona’s author site and find out about her recently published children’s adventure novel

Choosing books wisely for a child is important because young children are impressionable. If your child develops a love for reading, it will create a solid foundation in their literacy and education skills and possibly even influence their life and career choices.

Children usually begin to read around the ages of 4 to 6. A child may even begin earlier, especially if the parent has formed a habit of bedtime reading with the child.

However, many parents may not know how to choose age appropriate books for their child. Choose books for your child around their age, interests, and the type of books they have already read and enjoyed. Make reading exciting by exploring great stories together from an early age!

Ages 0-5 (Preschool)

In this age group, children need interesting stimulation and colorful visuals to promote vision and identification with objects, people, and animals. Board books, fabric books, pop-up books, and picture books are loads of fun to share with Mom and Dad. Slippers, Sunny Days & Starry Nights, and Leon the Lizard.

Ages 7-9 (Chapter)

Chapter books are the next step for this age group. Chapters are usually short with exciting story lines, and the beginnings of more complex character and plot development. Parents can also encourage their children to think beyond the story by asking the child’s opinion of the character’s actions and choices. Children can also retell the story to the parent in their own words. In this way, parents can track their child’s development of logic, memory, and comprehension skills. Illustrations will help the child appreciate and remember the story. Spiderwick Chronicles, The Witches, Hero, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Magical kids.

Ages 10+ (Middle grade+)

Now children begin to enjoy more complex themes and character developments, as well as elements in the characters to which they can relate. They like characters that are children solving problems, or children with problems, and start to form a moral, ethical, and emotional picture of the world. They will also begin to make their own reading choices. Your child will love reading if books capture the child’s attention. Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Kane Chronicles, The Book Thief

Problematic Themes

Sexuality and violence are worrying themes. The older the child the more independent they will be regarding book choices. From teen and YA years, choices will be up to the individual. By then the child’s upbringing and moral training will help them make their own decisions. Concerned parents should watch what their teen is reading but remain open to discussing controversial issues. Popular teen/YA choices include The Hunger Games, Inheritance Cycle, and the Twilight series.

Publishing houses categorize book lists on their web sites. A local librarian can also advise on appropriate choices. Most children read up so allow your child to select a more advanced book than usual for their age group. Above all, let your child explore and find the books that they love!

(All titles available from Exclusive Books or CNA)

Reviewer: by Tiffany Markman, who is mom to a delicious one-year-old, a book reviewer and a freelance copywriter, editor and writing trainer who tries to balance her workaholic tendencies with addictions to smooching her toddler, salacious non-fiction, caffeine, her iPhone and more. Follow Tiffany’s tongue-in-cheekery on twitter.

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AFRICAN ANIMALS ABC

By Philippa-Alys Browne

I’m not fussy when it comes to choosing books for my one-year-old. But I am discerning. (Which, my husband says, is a euphemism for fussy.)

You see, so many of the kiddie books we’re given have pretty pictures, but rhymes that don’t quite scan. Or missing apostrophes (Its fun at the sea-side.) Or a warped sense of gender roles (He likes to work. She likes to cook.) And this is why I’m extremely careful when buying books for our daughter. I check them for spelling, grammar, rhymes that flow properly and messages that – while they needn’t be hugely meaningful – aren’t socially worrisome.

Philippa-Alys Browne’s AFRICAN ANIMALS ABC is a magnificent book, and one I can’t wait to read to my daughter. Or, if we’re being accurate, have her ‘read’ to me.

Its pictures are authentic and beautiful African-style illustrations (or perhaps lino-cuts) of African animals – some common, some less so – with an appropriate verb:

Bushbaby blinks
Dassie drinks
Impala grazes
Quail scuttles
Yellow-billed kite soars in the sky

The words chosen are lovely – some are easy, like ‘Crocodile snaps’; others are a bit more challenging, like ‘Porcupine quivers’. And, at the back, there’s a useful blurb on each of the pictured animals for when she’s a bit older or starts asking questions:

The umhutu or mosquito is an insect. The common household mosquito can be found throughout Africa.

Nyala are antelopes that can be found in Southern African. They live and graze in forests and when they are scared, they make a barking sound. Also, it’s a sturdy board book, which means my little monster can’t rip it to pieces.

In the 13 months of her life, our daughter has been to the bush twice, with a third trip coming up in a few months. So, to have a book with which she can grow accustomed to some of the interesting animals (her word: ‘amals’) we see there, is a great gift.

AFRICAN ANIMALS ABC is also a wonderful gift for foreigners with small children.

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WE ALL WENT ON SAFARI

By Laurie Krebs & Julia Cairn

Subtitled ‘A Counting Journey through Tanzania’, this lovely book introduces little readers (I’d say older toddlers – aged 2 to 5 – who are still being read to, and 6- and 7-year olds who are just starting to read for themselves) to three things:

Tanzania

Safaris

Counting

The story starts with a large extended family going on ‘safari’ at the start of a sunny day and spying a lonely leopard. They count ‘one’ (in Swahili, ‘moja’). Then, two (‘mbili’) ostriches running. Then, three (‘tatu’) giraffes grazing. And so on, through beautifully illustrated and laid out pages, to ten (‘kumi’) enormous elephants.

The use of descriptive verbs (‘Up bobbed some hefty hippos’), colourful adjectives (‘Grasslands damp with dew’, ‘Zigzag zebras’) and tidy rhyme is careful and clever. And right at the end, as an extra, are pages on the animals of Tanzania, the Maasai people, Swahili names and their meanings, facts about Tanzania, a map and the full list of numbers, one to ten – all with stunning illustrations and useful pronunciation.

I can’t wait for my littlie to be just old enough to graduate from board books and have this read to her. In the interim, you should buy it. It’s something really different.

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BEAR TAKES A TRIP

By Stella Blackstone & Debbie Harter

‘Bear has a very long journey to make. There are lots of things for him to take.’

So he wakes up early, at 7.00am. By 8.30am he’s made his bed, washed his face, eaten his breakfast and packed his case. Filled with vibrantillustrations – some of the prettiest and most colourful I’ve seen in a children’s book – this wonderful story introduces little readers to telling the time, but it also has supplementary messages about making preparations, about taking trips and about spending time with friends.

(In terms of age range, I’d say older toddlers – aged 2 to 5 – who are still being read to, and 6- and 7-year olds who are just starting to read for themselves.)

If you’re a family that travels regularly, or that is planning a trip, this is a great way to introduce your kids to getting ready, getting going, being patient and enjoying their surroundings. But beyond that, the story’s core focus is time-telling.

There are clocks and watches on every page, explanations of ‘noon’, ‘midnight’, ‘quarter to’ and so on, and pictures of different clock faces, with the big and little hands in different positions. I love it. It’s a nice buy, too, for a long car journey.

We have a seven-year-old littlie living with us, and she’s starting Clocks at school, so I’m planning on testing this book out with her to see how she likes it…

Reflections and reviews by a Swedish woman of Ethiopian origin living in South Africa.  Find her on her blog entitled, In the Words of Katarina

Richly illustrated by Maya Sereda, the book tells the story of Andile, the proud young owner of a kite that he made together with his father. On its virgin tour the string breaks and the kite sets off on a breathtaking journey across the African continent.

Gumede, who grew up without a present father, has written a warm and educational tale about a boy and his close relationship with his father; a theme of great importance in a society where so many children grow up fatherless.

A Kite’s Flight has been published in 9 languages – ‘n Vlieër vlieg oor Afrika (Afrikaans); Ukubhabha kweKayiti (isiXhosa); iKhayithi Elindizayo (isiZulu); Ho fofa ha Khaete (Sesotho); Go Fofa ga Khaete (Setswana); Phofo ya Khaete (Sepedi); Kundiza kweKhayithi (Siswati); Riendzo ro haha ra khayiti (Sitsonga), R85

In May 2011 A Kite’s Flight won the (American) Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Award, for best children’s book in Africa.

by Corinne Lamoral,  freelance writer and media consultant, practicing part time corporate communications. She lives with her husband and three children on a koppie in Johannesburg where she pretends the distant hum of traffic is the ocean.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of plastic pushed at children over Christmas, head to the refuge of a bookshop and stock up on some of these favourites.

FANTASTICAL FLYING MACHINES

By Simon Wild and Timothy Knapman (Macmillan Children’s Books)
Wildly original and entertaining, this pop up book tells a rhyming tale of Sally and Jack’s great race and little fight against Baron Von Bang Bang’s dirty tricks.
Age: 2 – 6

THE  PIG’S  KNICKERS

By Jonathan Emmett (Walker Books)
When pig finds a pair of knickers he puts them on and feels special, making him sing and dance for all his friends. What happens when he loses them teaches about how the person, not the clothes make you special. The sight of a pig wearing polka dot panties had my 4 year old in fits of giggles and the punch line even more so.
Age: 2-6

THE TROLL -  book and CD

By Julia Donaldson and David Roberts (Macmillan Children’s books)
The latest book from the bestselling author of The Gruffalo was an instant hit in our house. Loosely based on the story of the troll who calls out “Who’s that trip trapping across my bridge?” this story features hungry pirates and clever creatures that manage to outwit the troll. The CD inspires you to read with great gusto and pirate pizzazz.
Age: 2 -10

MY FIRST BOOK OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN CREEPY CRAWLIES

By Charmaine Uys (Struik)
A new release from Struik’s excellent range of children’s nature books, this is a well-illustrated introduction to some of the 58 spiders, scorpions, snails, millipedes and other creepy crawlies (not insects) that your children are likely to encounter in their environment. All text is in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu.
Age: 2 – 10

BINK AND GOLLIE

By Kate Di Camillo and Alison McGhee (Walker Books)
Welcome to the adventures of Bink – who is tiny, impulsive and filled with enthusiasm and Gollie – who is tall, cool and uses big words. A charming friendship story with a really humorous storyline, the illustrations by Tony Fucile, who designed The Incredibles, add to the book’s originality.
Age: 6 -8

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Macmillan Children’s Books
With words and music for 25 classic carols including Once in Royal David’s City,Little Drummer Boy and We Three Kings, this is a great buy for the whole family.
Age: 6 and up.

A FAMILY CHRISTMAS – music CD

Putumayo World Music CD
Give your festive season a bluesy folk and jazz inspired feel with Putumayo’s roundup of Christmas classics like Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Jolly Old St Nick. My kids were initially unsure of these less recognisable versions of Christmas songs but once we put it on in the background while making dinner, it gave a fun holiday vibe. Good for grown up parties too.

by Fiona Ingram, a  South African writer who loves books, travel, animals, antiques, and adventures of all kinds! Read Fiona’s author site and find out about her recently published children’s adventure novel

The mark of a great story is one that stands the test of time and South African classic Jock of the Bushveld is one of those stories. Entertainment for all ages, Jock’s adventures have found their home on stage. Jock of the Bushveld: The Musical is pure enchantment. From the moment the theatre lights dim and the audience hear the night-time sounds of the bushveld, the magic begins. This is family fun and enjoyment at its best.

The wonderful saga of Jock and his exploits takes us into a mesmerising world. Clever costuming creates the impression of the various animals Jock meets—from the stately giraffe to the frenetically trotting warthogs, to the gracious hippo, to the hip troop of ‘gangsta’ baboons. Jock’s lessons in life are all learned in his environment, and from his encounters with both his friends and his enemies. He learns about courage, fortitude, how to hunt, the meaning of true friendship, trust, love and loyalty, and the value of keeping one’s word.

The cast give a brilliant ensemble performance, weaving their way seamlessly from one animal character to another, and also playing the humans that Jock encounters. The animals are beautifully portrayed with actors’ subtle movements. Somehow the wiggle of a rear conveys the typical gait of the Mister and Missus Warthogs plus kids, while the ambling of Mama Hips the hippo lets us know exactly who she is. Interestingly, Leopard enjoys Tai Chi…

It’s impossible to pick out ‘best’ actors because they are all so good, and their voices are a joy to hear.   Jock (Vaughn Gardiner) very ably portrays the brave-hearted, feisty Jock. The lady who steals Jock’s heart is a simply splendid French Poodle called Fifi, played by Suzzi Swanepoel. Fifi sings a rip-roaring ‘Hot Dog’ in one of the most enjoyable songs in the entire show. But the scene stealers just have to be the three vultures: Chérie, Boet and Bob. Reminiscent of the Three Fates and the vultures from The Jungle Book, they have some of the funniest lines and for good reason. Their pièce de résistance is a memorable song and dance routine called ‘Culture Vulture.’  Jock’s friend Chicken is another scene stealer.  Chicken is the friend everyone wants in times of need. Brave, loyal and faithful, Chicken overcomes her (natural) fear of bigger animals with lots of huge teeth, and performs the most unheard of deed such as seeking out Leopard when Jock needs help.

The show is peppered with many typically local jokes and references. Some adults may find their kids pick up these before they do! Look out for Bob-E-Jahn and his bold and brassy gang of baboons. The African bushveld, specifically the Kruger National Park where Jock ultimately meets his end, is portrayed with amazing simplicity. A rotunda moves the actors from one setting to another, drawing the audience into various locations such as the campsite, the river, the leopard’s lair, the baobab tree.

As anyone who has read the book will know, Jock does meet a sad end, but in such a way that he simply exchanges one life for another, leaving the audience a little heartsore, but satisfied. For parents who are keen to encourage their children to read, this show is a delightful way to begin. Children will love the show and very likely will be keen to read more because of course, there’s always more to the story in a book.

Age recommendations: All ages from about 8yrs old.

Jock of the Bushveld – The Legend Lives On is currently being performed at The Mandela at Joburg Theatre until Oct 10, 2010  Click here for details