As we all know, it is irrefutably important that children see themselves, their ethnicity, and culture reflected in the books they read – it helps them learn about themselves and makes them feel like they belong. This was the inspiration for and driving force behind Nandi in KwaZulu, a newly released children’s book by first-time author Praline Hudson.
What the Book Is About
The book tells the story of Nandi and her friends growing up in a carefree KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), and the fun involved in an age-old game.
“With a swift peep into the joyous life of Nandi and her friends, transport your child to KwaZulu. The engaging language and rich imagery of Zulu village life will enthral curious minds and the cleverly set plot will enchant and fascinate young readers and toddlers alike.” – Praline Hudson
The richly and beautifully illustrated book is perfect for the 0 to 5 age range when it can be enjoyably read by parents to their children, as well as for the 6 to 7 age group, who can read the story of Nandi for themselves.
About the Author
Durban-born Praline Hudson has travelled the world, temporarily living in the UK, France, India, and currently residing in Spain. Although she is well-travelled, she dearly clings to her South African roots.
“I decided to write this story because of the lack of representation I found of people of colour in the storybooks I was reading to my three daughters some twenty years ago. While things have thankfully changed since then, we must not tire of bringing books based on the diversity of our planet to little ones,”she says. “I want children to read this book to experience the joy of reading, to experience how language can transport one and to discover the characteristics of people and their lands.”
Why Diversity & Representation Are So Important From a South African Perspective 🇿🇦
Here are some thoughts from parents and people of colour for why books like Nandi in KwaZulu are so important:
Founder of ELMEAU, make-up Content Creator, and mother, Tobey Mbatha, shares her views on how integral representation is in developing a child’s self-confidence.
“Representation and inclusivity are extremely important for a child to experience in his/her everyday life, more especially in the media. Being able to relate, resonate and possibly see yourself or your future self represented shifts something in you, it gives you a “can do” mentality. Imagine what that does for a kid who’s still yet to dream – you’d be surprised. I’ve seen it with my daughter. It’s another level of confidence, bravery and self-assuredness that I wish I had when I was growing up.”
Tobey Mbatha
Head of Community Management and mother of three, Dipuo Tshoagong, highlights the long-lasting effect of a lack of representation on people of colour.
“When kids grow up without seeing themselves in books, movies, their favourite sport, etc. it’s the world telling them that they aren’t good enough to be in those spaces. These subliminal messages work their way into their subconscious and they grow up with it. This is where self doubt, imposter syndrome and all those other negative things creep up in their adult lives. All because the world told them they couldn’t and don’t deserve it. Seeing that “one of my own” is occupying these spaces tells them, “you too can do it”, and gives them that permission to go for it. Permission kids from other races have never needed because their birth granted them that permission. All children deserve this validation from birth.”
Dipuo Tshoagong
Father of one and Data Analyst Mxolisi Tshababalala, has similar thoughts and speaks about the importance of being seen and acknowledging one’s race and culture.
“I think diversity in children’s books is important for children from different ethnic groups because it helps them learn about themselves and feel like they have a valid place in the world. Without it, they may feel invisible or inferior to those we more frequently see books written about. If my child only ever sees white children in books, it can make him feel out of place.”
Mxolisi Tshabalala
Filmmaker and father of one, Edgar Sibaya, shares a similar sentiment about the importance of representation enabling a sense of bonding.
“As a father, I’m always looking to teach my children about the world, and how they fit into it. Reading books with children is a great way for us to learn and bond. When we read books with characters that don’t look like us, we feel excluded and not part of the world we’re learning about. It’s important that children see diverse characters to also teach them about diversity in real life. When my child sees a character that looks like her (black with curly hair), it raises her self-esteem and makes her feel like she belongs.”
Tlhogonolofatso Malekane (Content Curator), stresses how instrumental diversity is in the process of self-actualisation.
“Diversity and inclusion are of utmost importance for a child’s development as it grooms their foundation of belonging. It also prepares them to see that ‘it is possible’. It builds their values to trust and see worth within themselves, their culture, and not having to compare themselves with what they don’t, yet, understand.”
Tlhogonolofatso Malekane
Mother of two and Social Media Manager, Thulisile Shabangu, highlights the importance of understanding one’s heritage.
“As a parent, I feel representation is important so my children will feel good about who they are and where they come from. In addition, I believe we have a rich history that we can share and pass on to the next generation. By understanding African stories about Africans like themselves, they develop a better understanding of self, love, and tolerance for the next person. My children’s hair isn’t weird, and they don’t have to follow western ideals of beauty. We are all unique, and we all have a place on this earth.”
Thulisile Shabangu
Mother of four, Gertrude Mahlangu, shares her thoughts on acknowledging differences.
“I think it’s good to raise children in a multicultural society because they will become comfortable with people of other races, cultures, religions, genders, etc. As a parent, it’s your duty to teach your children these differences because kids have inquisitive minds and want to understand the world. Questions like, “Why do they have long noses?” or “Why is their hair so long hair and ours is short?” are fundamental topics that help children make sense of the world. It’s important that children understand that we’re all different and we all have a place in the world.”
Gertrude Mahlangu
Dirontsho Kokong (Change Manager) speaks of the impact of representation on a child’s confidence.
“Diversity and representation is at the core of every child’s confidence. Seeing someone who looks like you in mainstream media gives you the space to dream. As a little child you can see a realistic future for yourself that goes beyond your immediate reality.”
Dirontsho Kokong
Closing Thoughts
Books like this matter. While it might not seem like a big deal to everyone, the comments above clearly demonstrate the value of people of colour being present in all forms of mediums. Especially in Africa, it is our duty to ensure that local stories, people, and cultures are given equal, if not more, spotlight than others.
I’m glad that Praline Hudson has identified that there has been an improvement in inclusivity in children’s literature, but there’s still a long way to go. I hope that this book inspires South Africans to produce their own content and that publishers, and the public, support South African creators, especially work that is intended for kids.
