With photographs by Prodeepta Das
S is for South Africa where two oceans meet,
cold Atlantic from the west and warm Indian from the east.
Our vast country stretches across Africa’s southern shores,
golden beaches to misty mountains, sandy deserts to grassy plains
and, in our land of contrasts, we praise the sun yet pray for rain.
This photographic alphabet of poems celebrates what South Africans love best about their country. You can find out about Bunny Chow, Kubu and Qhina… but this beautiful land with its many different plants, animals, people and languages was also made ugly by racism. The poems reflect the energy and hopes of South Africa’s children.
In her Author’s Note, Beverley Naidoo writes: ‘It’s not easy to change a country that has been so unequal and unfair, but our ‘rainbow nation’ children are calling for change. Yebo! Yes we can!’
An alphabet book with so much more than 26 letters! Packed with information and depth of feeling, it takes the reader on an emotional journey through the South African story and leaves you wanting to know more…Uplifting, full of hope and human spirit.
– Cathy Brown, Librarian, King Alfred School, London
S is for SA is a wonderful teaching resource for developing children’s understanding knowledge and appreciation of a very beautiful country with a unique history which must never be forgotten.
– Naheeda Maharasingham, Rathfern Primary School, London
…poetic and powerful. The vibrancy here is in both text and photographs, capturing the richness and diversity of the land and its people, its past and present.
– Books for Keeps (5 star review)
A welcome addition to any library.
– The School Librarian, UK
African Studies Association Children’s Africana Honor Book for Young Children, USA 2011
