Eight New Africa Books Titles Selected for the Inaugural IBBY–UNESCO Collection
We are delighted to share some wonderful news for New Africa Books and the languages represented in our publishing list.
The inaugural IBBY–UNESCO Collection of Remarkable Books for Young Readers in Indigenous and Endangered Languages was officially launched at the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa, Canada, bringing international recognition to remarkable books published in Indigenous and endangered languages from around the world.
The Collection features 169 titles in more than 152 languages, celebrating books that contribute to the visibility, preservation and appreciation of linguistic diversity.
We are incredibly proud that eight books published by New Africa Books have been selected for inclusion in this important international collection:
Setulo sa Mabidi sa Bontle se setjha / Bontle's New Wheels
Author: Gomolemo Moagi
Illustrated by Subi Bosa
Language: Sesotho
This heartwarming children’s book, filled with vibrant illustrations, celebrates resilience, independence, and the joy of new beginnings.
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Tiqua the Great Warrior
Author: Stanley Grootboom
With translations by Sindiwe Magona and Diana Ferrus.
Illustrated by Stanley Grootboom.
Language: English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa
Long ago, the indigenous people of the Tsitsikamma knew of the healing power of the forest streams. Tiqua the Great Warrior was a wise chief in those times. After saving some stolen children from Gaunab the evil destroyer, he turns to the river to bring the children back to health.
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!Qhoi n|a Tjhoi / Tortoise and Ostrich
Author: Ouma Katrina Esau and Claudia Snyman
Illustrated by Stanley Grootboom
Language: N|uu, English and Afrikaans
The very first children’s book to feature a story for children, in the N|uu language.
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A Multilingual ABC
Author and Illustrator: Nicolaas Maritz
Language: Multilingual
Language provides a beautiful pool of communal knowledge that links us all. With animal names in over 20 Southern African languages, this book will start you on your very own journey of multilingualism.
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Kweza Njani Ibhubezi Libhodle / How Lion Got His Roar
Author: Gcina Mhlophe
Illustrated by Magriet Brink with translation by Sponono Mahlangu
Language: isiNdebele
A story about the power of community participation.
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UNozincwadi / Nozincwadi: Mother of Books
Author: Gcina Mhlophe
Illustrated by Elizabeth Pulles with translation by Nomvula Masimula
Language: isiNdebele
This is the story of how Mrs. Zwane helps the children of Dududu and how a young boy gives Mrs. Zwane a very special gift. The gift of reading, and words.
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Rainbeast
Author and Illustrator: Nicolaas Maritz
Language: Multilingual - English / IsiXhosa / Hai||om / Afrikaans
Invigorating verse and joyful inspiration from indigenous cultures, by South African artist and writer Nicolaas Maritz.
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Ndingumlilo / I Am Fire
Author and Illustrator: Thembinkosi Kohli
Translation by Xolisa Guzula
Language: isiXhosa
In this exciting new children's addition to the series, Thembinkosi Kohli's illustrations encourage young readers to connect with themselves and with the world in which they live.
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Celebrating languages through books
For New Africa Books, this recognition is particularly meaningful. South Africa is home to an extraordinary diversity of languages, stories and oral traditions, and books play an important role in ensuring that these languages are not only preserved, but read, shared and enjoyed by new generations.
The eight selected titles reflect this diversity, ranging from multilingual works to stories published in South African languages and works that help preserve and celebrate endangered Indigenous languages such as N|uu.
To see these books — and the languages, stories, authors and communities they represent — recognised alongside remarkable works from across the world is a wonderful honour.
The launch of the IBBY–UNESCO Collection also highlights something that has long been central to our publishing: children and young readers deserve access to stories in the languages they speak, know and identify with.
We are immensely proud of the authors, illustrators and everyone who has contributed to bringing these books to readers, and we are delighted to see their work represented on such an important international platform.
Eight New Africa Books titles. South African stories and languages. Now part of a remarkable global collection.