Children’s book authors display their books at book fair

Local authors had their books on display aimed at the young reader with important messages.

January 11, 2023

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Karen Cammell with her books on display at the children’s book fair. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Several authors of children’s books held a book fair in Witkoppen to promote their recently published works.

Children’s author and event organiser Tracy Millar with her book titled Gerald and Friends at the book fair. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

The authors are mostly self-published and had their colourfully illustrated books on display. The organiser of the event, Tracy Millar, is also an author who has written a children’s book, Gerald and Friends. She said an event such as this was important to get children reading content relative to them while giving local authors a voice.

Thandiwe Peach proudly shows her book titled iKamva e Lihle at the children’s book fair event. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“I’m very passionate about children reading. I’m also passionate about children reading books that are locally written about their culture and local stuff around them,” she said.
Millar has been writing for just over a year and has plans to build on her Gerald and Friends series with another book
Another author at the fair, Matina Genkova-Mpofu is based in Paulshof and had a number of her books on display. One of them is about being a mixed-race child. “This one [book] was dedicated to my son called Mom, Why am I Different? It’s about children who feel different and the message is no matter how you look on the outside, you are all special unique and loved,” she said.

Matina Genkova-Mpofu at the children’s book fair with her most recently published book, Thingamagic on display. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

She had also written a book about five African animals which need to take refuge from the weather elements in what she calls ‘an unusual’ hiding place. The message of the story is the need to live in peace and harmony. The story had been inspired by a similar Bulgarian folklore tale.
“Another element that inspired me to write the story is that many animals are becoming endangered which is very sad. Three of my characters in the story are endangered,” added Genkova-Mpofu.

A book series on sustainability written by Karen Cammell on display. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Other authors at the fair have written books with messages of sustainability, saving the environment, finding your own identity and many other themes.