Young people should hear stories and books as well as seeing them in print. If they can see and hear at the same time, so much the better – and so much more fun.
Here is the first of a selection of books from the Red Toolbox, including the complete chapters of Zeb Superbook Hero, a story specially written for Children’s Book Network and published here for the first time.
The idea of audio stories on our website was first discussed with the late Jay Heale, who read some of these stories shortly before he died.(Poppy, Some of us are leopards, The Diddle who Dummed and The Wonkey Donkey.) On the third anniversary of his death, we offer these readings in memory of a man who spent his life connecting children and story.
Some of us are Leopards, Some of us are Lions
Some of us are leopards, some of us are lions, by Mike Kantey shows how we can all sometimes be heroes in small things as well as big things.
Poppy
Poppy, (Read by Jay except for Chapter Two), by Lesley Beake is a collection of true stories about her fifth Weimaraner dog, who was a dog who had travelled – from Venzuela to Italy, Britain and South Africa. Nobody knows why. She had clearly been a princess – and expected to be treated as one.
Poppy was published in 2022 by Children’s Book Network, with wonderful illustrations by Val Myburgh. A second book (Poppy too) will be published early in 2025. Copies at R200 each plus delivery cost, can be ordered from info@childrensbook.co.za
Ouma Ruby's Secret
Ouma Ruby’s Secret is a much-loved book by Chris van Wyk. It comes from his childhood – and it comes from his heart as he contemplates the pain of not being able to read. A beautiful book with a deeply South African context. Illustrations by Anneliese Voigt-Peters.
The Wonky Donkey
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, read by Jay Heale for Children’s Book Network.
Zeb Super-Book Hero
Zeb Super-Book Hero by Lesley Beake, read by Lesley Beake for Children’s Book Network.
The Diddle That Dumbed
The Diddle that Dummed, by Kes Grey, with illustrations by Fred Blunt, is pure fun, read by a master storyteller, Jay Heale. Children everywhere love the story of daring to be different. Millions of copies have been sold and the book has been translated into many languages.
