BOOK Dash, the early-reader publishing NPO, held their twentieth book-creating event in Kloof on Saturday, October 29.
Thirty creatives volunteered their time to create 10 children’s book in 12 hours, at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing (TWIMS) campus. Book Dash has birthed 176 books using their book-making methodology, at two annual events rotated through the country’s major cities.
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Executive director of Book Dash Julia Norrish says, “Our vision is that every child should own 100 books by the age of five. We have books available for free on our website, for anyone anywhere in the world. Then we raise funds to print and distribute physical copies to South African families who can’t afford to own books.”
To date, the NPO has printed and distributed almost three million books to South African children.
The creation of a children’s book is usually a many-months-long project, meaning that the completion of a 32-page, full-colour book in one day is a challenge not for the faint-hearted. The Book Dash events are described as the Olympics of creativity. The caliber of creative professionals is high, and some writers, designers and illustrators have won Loerie Awards, international competitions and recognition.
“Our creatives might not be household names, but they are often prestigious in their field. We allow them to use their professional skills, as they use what they are already good at and what they love to do. It is just the most amazing vibe as it is hugely creative, but everyone is there for the same reason – to use their skills for something good,” says Norrish.
The mission of the NPO is to make high quality, affordable books that children can own. Every detail is considered, down to the uniform size of the books, which is designed to be efficient to print with minimal paper wastage.
Research supports book ownership resulting in children seeking out learning opportunities, with long-term benefits. According to research, 93% of SA households have fewer than 10 books, and 58% have no books for leisure in their homes.
Norrish says, “We make books for everyone but specifically for families that can’t afford them. Our books might not be produced by commercial publishers as they rely on the end user buying the book, so that is who is represented in their stories. We represent an audience that does not buy books. Our audience is little children who aren’t at school yet. Books are a way for them to feel brave and safe, seeing themselves and their homes represented (instead of a castle or mansion), in a story told in their language.”
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Although the physical distribution of Book Dash books is limited to SA, the books on the website are open-licensed.
“Anyone around the world can re-use, re-share, print, adapt and translate the books. There are no barriers to content access. They are translated into multiple languages, used on every continent, put into curriculum material, with lessons built around them, or adapted into animated videos and games for young children – at no cost to the content user or end user. We realised we won’t reach every child on our own.”
For more information, email team@bookdash.org.
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