The Latest News

Thanks!

As Bookchat moves into its fifth year as a website, it is correct that we should acknowledge those who support us: in particular, the Brian Mitchell Trust in England, and the skilled assistance of the Pretext team who designed and update the site.

We also acknowledge the “Book Choice” programme on Fine Music Radio, and the columns of the Cape Times which have recognised children’s literature as a topic worthy of focus.

And we thank the publishers and their representatives who keep us supplied with review copies.

 

Warmest Wishes

… to Lona Gericke on her retirement as Children’s Librarian at Bellville Library. Lona took over the reins of supplying reviews of Afrikaans books for Bookchat magazine (from Marjorie van Heerden) in the late 1970s. She has worked for many years on the committee of the SACBF and IBBY SA (of which she is currently Vice-Chair), and served two terms on the jury of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award Jury. Lona is widely accepted as one of the experts on South African children’s books.

 

Exclusive Books  IBBY SA Award

This was announced on 7 December during a tasty brunch meeting at “Dutch” in Little Chelsea, Wynberg. The well-deserved winner is:

IN DIE IMMER-NIMMER BOS / IN THE NEVER-EVER WOOD
by Linda Rode, illustrated by Fiona Moodie (Human & Rousseau)

Each received a cheque for R5,000 from Exclusive Books. The runner-up also received commendation: JUST SISI by Wendy Hartmann, illustrated by Joan Rankin. These choices were made by a distinguished panel of judges appointed by IBBY SA.

 

Bookchat Awards

Books published last year are still trickling in, so the Bookchat Awards 2011 will be announced in February.

 

Reviews

In response to a reader’s earnest request, Reviews will – starting with the 2012 books – carry an indication of the rough age-range suitable.

 

IBBY

The twinning link between USBBY (IBBY USA) and IBBY SA continues. They have offered a link to their Outstanding International Books list at (http://www.usbby.org/list_oibl.html). ). This is warmly received – and recommended.

Those of you who want to be kept up to date on European children’s literature should subscribe (free!) to the European IBBY Newsletter sent out by the European member countries of IBBY. Go to www.ibby.org and follow the links.

 

Franschoek Festival 2012

Next year the Festival will start with a week (Monday 7 to Thursday 10 May) of visits to all the schools in the area. Young people can look forward to reading, writing, book events, and visits from authors and storytellers. These may include Pieter Dirk Uys, Elinor Sisulu, Lesley Beake, Zuki Wanner, Shaun Johnson, Alex Latimer, Sindiwe Magona, Mhlobo Jadezweni, Palesa Morudu, Ros Haden, Shamini Flint and Jay Heale.

 

Cape Town Book Fair 2012

The Fair will be held from 15 to 17 June, with the first morning dedicated to trade visitors only; the public will be admitted from 2 pm on that day.

1937 was a noteworthy year. Amongst those born in that year were Jay Heale and The Hobbit. So it’s warming to see that Tolkien’s great story is about to be released as a major film, with many of the stars from the Lord of the Rings tr trilogy making one more appearance.

The original BOOKCHAT magazine specialised in news and reviews about children's books. It was published from 1976-1997, achieving 132 issues.
BOOKCHAT ® is licensed by JPW Heale. It is an independent website.

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