There are just a few weeks of this year left, so whether your children love soaking up the sun or staying inside, it’s always a good time of the year to have a few books on hand to keep them entertained. So, in celebration of the festive season, here are the best sellers to look out for, from heartfelt picture illustrated books to fun adventures.
Book: Sulwe, R181.00
From Academy Award-winning actress, Lupita Nyong'o, comes a powerful, moving picture book about colourism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Sulwe's skin is the colour of midnight. She's darker than everyone in her family and everyone at school. All she wants is to be beautiful and bright, just like her mother and sister. But then, a magical journey through the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, Lupita Nyong'o creates a whimsical and heart-warming story to inspire children to see their own uniqueness.
Book: Giraffe in the Bath, R120.00
Giraffe is all set for a soak in the tub after a hard day's work, but no one will leave her in peace!
Russell Punter’s lively rhyming story in the successful Phonics Readers series contains vivid illustrations and phonic repetition and is specially written for children learning to read. David Semple's fresh, modern illustrations bring this hilarious story to life. A delight to share with young children, and there are parents notes on phonics at the back of the book.
A fun introduction to language skills for young children or those beginning to read for themselves.
Book: Paris Cat, R135.00
A sassy cat from the back alleys of Paris believes she is quite different to the rest of the rabble.
She can do anything she sets her mind to, even if others don't think so. Leaving her cat family behind, she sets off to explore Paris. Cat meets legendary singer, Edith Piaf, creates her own stunning designs at a high-fashion atelier and dances with the infamous dancer, Josephine Baker, and her cheetah.
But is this the life she really wants? What about her friends and family?
Book: The 130-Storey Treehouse, R174.00
There are many laughs at every level in this 10th book in this bestselling Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton. If you don’t have the other nine, make sure to get them.
This is our treehouse; come on up! We've added 13 new levels to our treehouse, including a soap bubble blaster, a grabinator (it can grab anything from anywhere at any time), a time-wasting level, a toilet paper factory (because you can never have too much toilet paper) and an extra-terrestrial observation centre, which will come in handy when giant flying eyeballs from outer space come to grabinate us!
It is a fun story with loads of adventure!
Book: Shadow Chasers, R79.00
Nom is an outsider at school. When she and Zithembe become friends, life still seems a little ordinary until an army of monsters threatens their world.
They set off on an amazing journey into the dreamworld on a quest that will change their lives. Powers of the Knife is the first book in the Shadow Chasers trilogy. It's an African fantasy adventure – one part family saga, one part hero's quest.
Author Bontle Senne crafted a perfect storyline to inspire make-believe, curiosity and creativity.
Book: Code Name Bananas, R251.00
Go back in time with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots - and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day.
Britain is at war with Nazi Germany. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him happy: London Zoo. There's one animal he loves in particular – Gertrude, the gorilla. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude.
Together with his uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside, they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot. An amazing adventure awaits.
Book: They Both Die at the End, R211.00
An unforgettable tale of life, loss and making each day count.
This international No. 1 bestselling book of TikTok fame by Adam Silvera is an inspiring story. On 5 September, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some really bad news: they're going to die. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but for different reasons, they're both looking to make one new friend on their last ‘end’ day.
The good news: there's an app for that, called ‘Last Friend’, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great and awesome adventure – to live a lifetime in a single day. Another beautiful, heartbreaking and life-affirming book from the brilliant Adam Silvera.
