Twice-published author and Paulet House alumn, Lebo Mazibuko, recently came out with a new picture book, Milani’s Gift, as part of Jacana Media’s growing list of children’s books set in South Africa.
“Like with everything I write, I always draw from my own life,” says Mazibuko. “I have been in the arts for many years, having started in high school. Performing was a huge challenge for me because I was such a shy girl, even though I always wanted to be on stage. Stage fright is something I am familiar with, and this is what formed the premise of Milani’s Gift. In the book, I explore the idea of having a gift, whatever that gift is, and overcoming fear and nerves in order to share this gift with others.”
She believes reading is important at any age, but creating characters that people, especially children, can relate to in a South African context is what she’s most passionate about. “I always struggled to find myself on the pages of the books we read in school. This was, of course, the era of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Snow White, Rapunzel, etc. When I got to high school, not much had changed. Stories about the people and places I come from were missing from our classrooms, and yet they are just as important. Our experiences matter!”
According to the publishers, these books come complete with activity sheets that encourage children to express their feelings and are guaranteed to captivate any child. The book is available in Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, isiXhosa, Xitsonga and isiZulu. Mazibuko says that this is probably one of the best parts of publishing a local children’s book. Regardless of where a child is or what language they speak, she says, they can all read and experience this book with a greater understanding because it is in their mother tongue.
Lebo Mazibuko is also the author of the novels Bantu Knots and Fabrics of Love (Kwela, Jonathan Ball Publishers) and participant of the 2020 Bosberg Book writing residency presented by the Jakes Gerwel Foundation at Paulet House in KwaNojoli.
Milani is a little girl who sings beautifully. However, she is afraid to sing in front of others despite her talent. One day, her father discovers her hidden talent and encourages her to sing at school – but when the big moment comes, Milani freezes. With the help of her teacher, Mrs Jiya, Milani overcomes her fear and discovers the joy of sharing her gifts with others. This is a relatable story that is perfect for young readers who need a little encouragement to be brave and confident. The book is available on Jacana Media’s website here.
