Wanda

(Hardback)

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Publishing Details

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Physical Properties

Description

A heartwarming story about identity and being proud of who you are

Wanda's a little girl always in a hurry. She needs to get to school in time to change her hair from the "natural" way her mother does it. Her teacher will say it's like a bird's nest and put a black dot on her star chart. And the naughty boys in her class tease her for it. On the way home, she has to change her hair back again to the wonderful cloud her mother makes. Wanda is distressed but she knows she loves her beautiful African hair.

Makhulu (Grandmother) understands how Wanda feels. She makes a scrapbook of pictures of women, all glamorous and beautiful, and with all sorts of hairstyles, and asks Wanda which she likes best. She shows Wanda how to make her hair into a crown that a queen would be proud of.

Reviews

"Heartwarming and uplifting, with themes of self-confidence and identity."

* The Bookseller *

"A beautiful book which will help anyone who feels pressurised about themselves and their identity."

-- Sue Martin * The Book Monitor *

"Vibrant and moving picture book story for EYFS and KS1 children. Tackling difficult subject matter with sensitivity, such as anti-bullying, self-confidence and heritage, this is a valuable text to read and discuss in PSHE lessons."

-- Tom Tolkien * School Reading List *

"This heartfelt look at how society can drain the positivity instilled by a loving family, is a powerful reminder that everyone has the right to feel confident to celebrate their culture and that we should all share in that celebration rather than attempt to undermine it. The broad themes of the story self belief and kindness, with its compelling, vibrant illustrations, make this a book to share with primary classes wherever they are."

* Red Reading Hub *

"A powerful picture book by Sihle Nontshokweni and Mathabo Tlali about overcoming bullying through self-confidence, family loveand hair-styling."

-- Lucy Chambers * Bookish *

A heart-warming story about learning to love who you are, how you look, and where you come from, despite others' opinions."

* BookTrust (Book of the Day) *

This book is about identity and beauty, celebrating how cultural pride is learned and passed on over generations.

* Primary Times *

"This book is uplifting and an absolute gem."

* We Read and Spark, via Instagram *

"This book celebrates cultural and family pride and encourages any young reader who might feel self conscious about their appearance to be proud of who they are. Set in South Africa with a glossary of Xhosa words used in the story, it will make a good contribution to the class or school library, to be shared by children from 5 upwards.

* The English Association Reviews *

A touching picture book about a little girl made miserable by teasing about her hair. She needs her grandmothers magical mist of olive oil to make it into a triumphant crown. Vivid, double-page pictures by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne make this a treat."

* The New Statesman - Best Children's Books of 2022 *

Author Bio

Sihle Nontshokweni teaches at the University of Pretoria and is working on a Ph.D. alongside her writing for children. She has also studied in China, gaining a Master's degree at Beijing University. She has a deep interest in how racialised contexts and situations affect personal identity and aspirations, particularly with children. Wanda was inspired by her own and her co-author's high school experiences. She has recently completed a second book, Fly Everyone. Mathabo Tlali and Sihle went to high school together. Mathabo's own story is one of aspiration, determination and empowerment. Having dropped out of her university course, she is now back on track for a degree in drama and sociology.

Chantelle and Burgen Thorne are South-African based illustrators with an international clientele.