Picture Books

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Bloch, Carole, Reviva Schermbrucker, Boyce Bouylix Mgcina, Ruth Cousins, Xolisa Guzula, Awebahe Johannes Hoeseb

Listen!<br>Let’s Go!<br> How Many?<br> Two!<br> Red<br> Brown<br>Yellow<br>Little and Big<br>Green<br>Raezz Writes<br>Black and White<br>Wheels<br>How Many Dogs<br>Where’s Daddy?<br>Clever Busy Bee<br>Bye-Bye, Gogo


Illustrated by Jean Fullalove, Thembinosi Kohli, Reviva Schermbrucker, Richard MacIntosh, Vian Oelofsen, Sue Kramer, Bunzi Mashinini, Ruth Cousins, Mandi Mbude, Brendan Ruiters. Cape Town: Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa (PRAESA), 2004. Ages 4 and up.


Commentary
This is a set of sixteen, small-sized booklets, all available in three different South African languages (the main ones spoken in the Western Cape, which is the home of PRAESA). Most are based on simple concepts: a colour, a number concept, contrasting sizes, wheeled vehicles. One or two have a storyline. All will fit inside small fingers. All will require a loving adult to bridge the gap between the page and the child. They are varied in style and layout, and together they provide an excellent example of how a university project can guide authors and illustrators to provide suitable material for pre-school children. Even such a basic concept as Green includes green paint, plastic, clothing – because green grass and gardens are a rarity for many South African children.


The Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa (PRAESA) is an institute at the University of Cape Town. It promotes multilingualism and the development of African languages in South Africa and Africa. Its work includes language planning, research, teacher training and materials development. This project was funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy.

Picture Books

South Africa

PRAESA