Author: Hugh Lewin
Illustrator: Lisa Klopper
Publisher: Jacana Media
Available in Setswana, Sepedi, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho and English
The “Jafta” series of books was born after prize-winning author, Hugh Lewin, was released from prison after a seven-year sentence for his opposition to apartheid. Jafta, a young boy growing up in Africa, describes some of his everyday feelings by comparing his actions to those of various African animals. With exquisite poignancy, Hugh Lewin describes the life of separation Jafta experiences growing up without his father. Later in the series, we learn of Jafta’s love for his mother and we share the tenderness and celebration of Jafta’s father’s homecoming. The book is filled with rich illustrations and clever similes to explain all sorts of feelings and actions. The stories live and breathe, beautifully rendered by the lyrical artwork of Lisa Kopper.