Ex-Toti children’s author starts on second book
‘Zwai and the Little Creature’ makes a great class reader for schools and is available from the publisher in Johannesburg.
Ex-Amanzimtoti author Elaine Pillay is riding high on the success of her first children’s book.
Elaine was born in Umkomaas and grew up in Lotus Park in Isipingo.
She matriculated at Strelitzia Secondary School but moved to Johannesburg in early 2000.
Elaine has had academic books published but this is her first children’s story book. ‘Zwai and the Little Creature’ is about a little boy who lives in a rural area with his grandparents, as his mom works in the city.
He starts to see magical creatures that nobody else sees. As a result, he is banished from the village and sent to live with his mom.
On his way to the city, he embarks on an adventure with magical African creatures.
“I taught English at a school that was attended by previously underprivileged children,” said Elaine in describing her inspiration for the book.
“I found there was a lack of fun, fantasy books for South African children and decided to write one.”
‘Zwai and the Little Creature’ was published in 2014 and is in its fourth print run, which means it has been well received.
It was published by Vivlia Books, an educational publisher in Johannesburg.
“I do have plans for a second book,” said Elaine. “My students suggested I write a series of Zwai books, as they would like to know that happens to him next.
I listened to my market and have started work on the second book. Having a day job though does make me a bit of a juggler but I guess it must be done.”
‘Zwai and the Little Creature’ makes a great class reader for schools and is available from the publisher in Johannesburg.
Asked if she has any plans to visit Toti any time soon to do a book launch, Elaine replied: “Publishing companies don’t do launches like they used to but if I was invited to Toti by a bookshop to do one, I most definitely would.
I miss the Vikings Fish and Chips shop, the friendly people and the beach. The South Coast is such a great, family-oriented place for a child to grow up. I miss the humility and the ‘realness’ of the people.”
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