Something wonderful has been arriving at Biblionef South Africa’s office. Three new children’s books that South Africa can be proud of are now in print and ready to make their way into the hands of children across the country.
We are delighted to share the results of an exciting project. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, through the Mzansi Golden Economy programme, funded the publishing and translation of three original South African picture books. Each title is now available in eight or nine languages, reaching the young readers who need them most.
Three Stories, Multiple Languages, One Big Idea
The three new titles are What to do? by Carole Bloch, Butterfly Heart by Lalu Mokuku, and Milani’s Gift by Lebo Mazibuko. Biblionef commissioned the production and translation of these books in partnership with Jacana Media.
What to do? is a funny, heartwarming retelling of a well-known folktale. Papa and Mama live with their five children in a crowded little house, and when Gogo and Mkhulu come to stay, the chaos only grows. Desperate for peace, Papa visits Wise Wazini for advice. But her suggestions make things noisier, wilder, and considerably smellier before calm is restored. Written by Carole Bloch and illustrated by Catherine Groenewald, this story is about family, patience, and learning to appreciate what you already have. Available in nine languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho, Siswati, and Xitsonga.
Milani’s Gift tells the story of a shy girl who loves to sing, but only when no one is watching. When her father encourages her to perform at school, Milani freezes. It takes the patience of her teacher, Mrs Jiya, to help her find the courage to share her voice with the world. Lebo Mazibuko wrote this story, and Monique Mortimer illustrated it, exploring bravery, belonging, and the joy of sharing your gifts with the world. Available in nine languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho, Siswati, and Xitsonga.
Butterfly Heart follows two best friends, Neo and Mosa, who share heart-shaped stones as a symbol of their bond. When Mosa falls ill, Neo must navigate one of childhood’s hardest lessons. Written by Lalu Mokuku and illustrated by Rebecca Potterton, this tender story opens a gentle, honest space for children and adults to talk about grief and love together. Available in eight languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho, and Xitsonga.
Why This Matters
South Africa has 12 official languages. Yet for many children, the books available at school are not in the language they speak at home. Research consistently shows that children read more confidently in their mother tongue. They also develop a deeper love of books when stories feel familiar and close to home.
With 3,000 copies produced across eight and nine languages, this project directly addresses that gap. Biblionef will distribute the books through its national network to under-resourced schools and children’s organisations: communities where quality, culturally relevant literature remains far too scarce.
A Project Built on South African Talent
One of the things we are proudest of is who made these books. South African creatives and publishing professionals led every stage of the process: writing, illustration, editing, translation, design, and printing. Carole Bloch, co-founder of the Nal’ibali Reading for Enjoyment Campaign, brings deep roots in South African literacy to the page. She is also a recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Alongside her, authors Lebo Mazibuko and Lalu Mokuku each brought distinct voices to their stories. Illustrators Catherine Groenewald, Monique Mortimer, and Rebecca Potterton gave each book its own visual world. Translators and editors worked across eight indigenous languages, ensuring every version carries the same warmth as the original.
This is what it looks like when investment in children’s literature becomes investment in the creative sector, too.
With Gratitude
Biblionef South Africa is deeply grateful to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The Mzansi Golden Economy programme made this project possible. The funding allowed us to do what we do best: put meaningful books into children’s hands, in the languages that belong to them.
As these books begin their journey to schools and organisations across South Africa, we are reminded of why this work matters. Every story that a child reads in their own language carries an important message: your voice, your world, your language, these things belong on the page.
We look forward to sharing more about where these books land and the communities they reach.
Read more about other books that Biblionef has commissioned here.