“A magical kiddies’ affair” is probably the most fitting phrase to describe the launch of Lindiwe Mabuza’s South African Animals in Johannesburg over the weekend.

“Magical” because the book’s main character herself, Thandi, appeared and gave a reading alongside the author!

The event kicked off with a lively singing of that national anthem for children, Old MacDonald Had a Farm.

After such formalities were over and done with, the children got down into the business of the day: “Read to us! Read to us!”

South African Animals explores southern Africa’s wild fauna, from the now extict Kwagga to the hedgehog.

As the first guest reader, Kgomotso Matsunyane, took us through the book, she asked her little listeners quiz questions to see if they were really paying attention. The patrons of the day didn’t disappoint, eagerly rasising their hands, waiting to shout the right answer.

Lindiwe Mabuza then took to the stage, introducing “Thandi”, the book’s main character – who was sitting right there, real as could be, next to her creator! (She’s pictured above, in a darling red dress.)

“The book seeks to make children aware of various animals that we have in the country,” said Mabuza.

Without speaking for too long, she then allowed Thandi to take over and interact with all the children and parents who attended. Thandi lavished the little ones with her incredible reading skills – she had everyone spellbound!

At the end of business, children were each given a cream muffin of the colour of their choice, which was only right and proper.Then everyone queued up to get their copy of the book signed by both Thandi and the author.

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Book details

• South African Animals by Lindiwe Mabuza, illustrated by Alan Baker
  EAN: 9781920271060
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