Nomkhubulwane, African Mother Christmas — a 2026 Pendoring Awards Finalist!
A Proud Moment for African Storytelling!
Some stories are simply too magical to go unnoticed!
New Africa Books is thrilled to announce that Nomkhubulwane, African Mother Christmas, written by the incomparable Dr Gcina Mhlophe and beautifully illustrated by Elizabeth Pulles, has been named a 2026 Pendoring Awards finalist!
Set in KwaZulu-Natal's breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills, this enchanting tale introduces young readers to Nomkhubulwane, the African rain goddess, weaving together the wonder of Christmas with the richness of African heritage and tradition.
A wonderful celebration of the stories that connect us to our roots, our languages and one another.
Celebrating the Women Behind the Magic
Two Creative Voices. One Beautiful Story. A Moment Worth Celebrating!
From all of us at New Africa Books, congratulations to Dr Gcina Mhlophe and Elizabeth Pulles!
Thank you for reminding us that African stories deserve to be told, celebrated and shared with generations to come.
May the stories never stop — and may their colours never fade!
Dr Gcina Mhlophe
A Lifetime of Stories, A Legacy of Inspiration
Some people tell stories. Others become part of the story of a nation.
An internationally celebrated storyteller, author, poet and performer, Dr Gcina Mhlophe has spent decades championing African languages, literacy and the preservation of oral storytelling.
Her extraordinary contributions have earned her eight honorary doctorates, prestigious international theatre awards, a South African Music Award (SAMA), multiple lifetime achievement honours and the Flora Nwapa Literature Award.
Through her literacy campaigns, storytelling initiatives and beloved books, Gcina continues to inspire generations of readers across the world.
Elizabeth Pulles
Bringing Stories to Life, One Illustration at a Time
If words are the heartbeat of a story, illustrations are the colours that make it dance!
An accomplished South African illustrator, painter and sculptor, Elizabeth Pulles has brought countless children's stories to life through her imaginative artwork.
Her achievements include ATKV awards, the Vivian Wilkes Prize, the M.E.R. Prize and an IBBY/Exclusive Books award.
Her beautiful illustrations in Nomkhubulwane, African Mother Christmas capture the warmth, wonder and magic of this distinctly African tale.