TWO new children’s books, written by uMhlanga author Roslynne Toerien, hit the shelves and online platforms last week.
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She also launched The Speedy Six Olympics and The Forgotten Four at Exclusive Books in La Lucia Mall last Saturday, where Toerien shared the news of the release of a free audio version of one of the books.
What readers did not know is that the audio is read by world-renowned and celebrated South African author, poet, playwright, director, performer and storyteller, Dr Gcina Mhlophe, who also attended.
“Dr Gcina Mhlophe attended my book launch, and together, we announced the exciting news. The Speedy Six Olympics comes with a free downloadable audio narration by Dr Gcina Mhlope. What an honour to have this incredible woman believe in my writing and share her powerful storytelling voice with us,” she said.
Readers can scan the QR code near the front of the book and listen to the story as the race unfolds and disaster strikes when some of the animals do not have much luck.
Speaking on the books, the CEO and founder of the South African non-profit trust, The LEARN Project, described The Forgotten Four as a thoughtful adventure story about a family going on their first African Safari.
“It is a fun and engaging story for the whole family which is based on my experiences with my children and our own game-drive adventures. The Speedy Six Olympics is a rhyme-based story where imaginations run wild as the Animal Olympics unfold. I thoroughly enjoyed writing and weaving together both stories,” said Toerien.
“Children notice the details and beauty in everything in the world around them. Imagination is a powerful tool when you let it run wild,” she added.
Through her journey as a children’s book author, Toerien has taken a special interest in her characters being animals. Her first two books, Under the Baobab Tree and The Rumbling Rhino, were also about animals.
“We have such beautiful and unique animals in South Africa, many of which are now endangered, so writing about these animals is a means of creating awareness around them. I am proudly South African, and I love the diversity of nature and our wildlife.
“Researching each animal’s characteristics and qualities and then blending them into a story is such an exciting part of writing for me. As a writer, it’s important to me that children can get to know interesting facts about them and develop a love for animals and a deeper appreciation for wildlife,” she added.
Toerien’s motto is ‘small actions lead to big change’.
“Readers make leaders, and leaders build nations – it is up to us to equip future generations,” she said.
The books are available at Exclusive Books stores, Takealot, Loot, Wordsworth Books and Graffiti Books.
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