In a significant step toward promoting literacy in indigenous languages, the Puku Children’s Literature Foundation (Puku) has created a catalogue of 100 recommended children’s books in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, and Setswana. Aimed at Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Foundation Phase learners, the catalogue helps parents, educators, and caregivers find high-quality books in the languages children speak and understand best.

The project began in 2019 in response to a pressing need: readers struggled to find well-curated books in their own languages. Puku joined forces with partner organisations to fill this gap, creating South Africa’s first comprehensive catalogue of children’s books in indigenous languages. In 2025, they proudly launched the latest language addition: isiZulu.

Why This Initiative Matters

In South Africa, many children begin their educational journey without access to books in their home languages. This lack of culturally and linguistically relevant materials hampers early literacy development and contributes to poor academic outcomes. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) has highlighted that South African children often underperform in reading assessments, not due to a lack of intelligence, but because they lack access to reading material in their home languages.

Puku’s catalogue directly addresses this gap by providing a curated selection of 100 high-quality children’s books in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, and Setswana. These resources empower children to learn and thrive in the languages they speak at home, fostering a deeper connection to their culture and improving literacy outcomes.

Collaborative Effort

This project was made possible through the combined efforts of:​

• Puku Children’s Literature Foundation​
• Biblionef South Africa​
• National Library of South Africa​
• University of South Africa (UNISA)​
• IBBY South Africa​

These organisations share a commitment to improving literacy and access to books in indigenous languages.

Explore the Catalogues

This catalogue is a vital tool for educators, parents, and policymakers committed to nurturing a generation of readers who are confident in their linguistic and cultural identities. By supporting and utilising this resource, we take a significant step toward a more inclusive and literate society.​ Let’s work together to ensure that every child in South Africa has the opportunity to read, learn, and grow in their own language.

The isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, and Setswana catalogues are available for download on Puku’s website. Biblionef South Africa is proud to have contributed to this initiative, reinforcing our dedication to providing children with books in their home languages.