Young children will learn all about nature and parks in the new book, The Big Show, a book by Daniel Browde and Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum in collaboration with Ayanda Roji of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
The book was launched at the Johannesburg Zoo on 1 June with a special signing of the book by the author.
Last year, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo gave writer, Browde and artist, Sunstrum the job of creating a children’s book set in Johannesburg but with a message that would be understood by young people around the world. Browde and Sunstrum, in collaboration with Roji, then created The Big Show.
“It is a colourful tale about learning to find magic and meaning right under your nose. It was created to showcase our wonderful parks. Even though you may live in the inner city, there still is nature, there still is magic, so let’s use our parks. This book also addresses the issue of climate change and the impact of littering,” commented Roji.
Sunstrum expressed her joy in doing the illustrations for the book. She said she was very happy with the whole outcome of the book. This being her first time doing an illustration for a children’s book, she felt it went pretty well. “When thinking about what would appeal to children I enlisted two of my friends – a five- and eight-year-old who really inspired me and helped spark some good ideas,” said Sunstrum.
The book was completed with the support of Play Africa, an NGO committed to creating safe, child-centered public spaces. Play Africa also contributed educational material for the learning section at the back of the book. This section provides older readers with ways of talking and thinking about the story with younger readers by drawing attention to the book’s themes, which include climate change and civic responsibility.
Browde said when he sat down to write the book it wasn’t easy but, after a conversation with Mindy Fullilove, another author, he was able to get the message across in the book. “I want children or an adult who is reading this book to really take away how important it is to pay attention to the moment, any moment. There is excitement at the end of the rainbow. I want them to know that there is fun everywhere, all around,” he said.
