A story inspired by giraffes on a wildlife estate in Hoedspruit, Limpopo has been penned in a children’s book with illustrations.
The self-published author, Tracy Millar from Sharonlea said the journey to write the book, Gerald and Friends – Bush Walk About started about five years ago.
“The idea germinated when we were walking in the green belt [on the estate] and there was a whole family of giraffes including a little playful calf who followed us around a bit. From there, the idea of a children’s book came to life – the giraffe being the main character and his friends and the adventures they would get up to on the estate,” she said.
Her research revealed that children loved to read about animals, and South Africa had an abundance of beautiful wild animals. “So why not focus on that and keep it local?” she asked.
Millar together with illustrator Caroline Janse van Rensburg started working on the book just before the beginning of lockdown last year.
The book also features some educational elements through the illustrated characters. “Most [children’s] books feature cartoons – so we decided to do more realistic painting,” said Janse van Rensburg referring to the illustrations.
Millar said she would approach the local libraries and radio stations to launch the book. She has also identified creches in Limpopo to introduce her book to children.
“I want it to be translated to other local languages as well. My aim is to create a series of adventures based on Gerald and his friends.”
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