Instructional but
also very entertaining publication. (Review by Keith Millar)
My South African ABC is a very attractively presented book aimed
at children from three to six. It has 48 glossy pages filled with fabulous,
brightly coloured, illustrations by the talented Sandy Lightley.
Not only does the
book serve the purpose of teaching the ABC but is also an illustrated guide to
the wonderful diversity of places, animals, flora and fauna and objects found
in our country.
Gone is the staid A
is for Apple, B is for Ball and C is for Cat. In their place are fun ideas such
as A is for Aardvark, Avocado or Aloe - B is for Bakkie, Boabab or Boerewors and
C is for Cango Caves, Crocodile or Cheetah.
Each letter of the
Alphabet offers a whole selection of illustrated ideas to highlight the
particular letter. The illustrations are all beautifully drawn and brightly
coloured with primary colours predominating.
The book will work
on different levels depending on the age of the children reading it. I had the
pleasure of going through it with a three year-old grandson. He took great
delight in showing off to Grandpa how well he knew his ABC. Then, although
mostly missing the link, he identified a surprising number of the illustrations
such as elephants, crocodiles, dinosaurs and giraffes.
Each section also
poses a simple question to the reader. These are based on one of the
illustrations.For example, the reader is asked - What is the tallest animal in
the world? Or what is the national flower of South Africa? All the answers to
this fun quiz are given on the last page of the book.
There is also a
Parent’s Guide which gives brief descriptions of many of the key activities and
places of interest included in the book. Address and contact numbers are also
provided in case one wants to take it a step further and visit some of the
major sights and attractions.
My South African ABC is a delightful publication. Not only is it
instructional but also very entertaining – and how better to learn something
than by having fun at the same time.
I am sure this book
would be a very welcome addition to any youngster’s collection.
My South African
ABC, illustrated by Sandy Lightley, is published by Struik Travel &
Heritage. ISBN 9781775842545. Recommended retail price R120. – Keith Millar
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