On Tuesday, 28 January 2025, Unisa Library and Information Services (LIS) hosted a Children’s Books Review Workshop in collaboration with the Puku Children’s Literature Foundation, a book development and reading promotion organisation that aims to increase access to children’s literature in all South African languages. The event brought together authors, educators, and literary enthusiasts to engage in a hands-on exploration of book reviewing, with a focus on multilingual African literature.
Children’s Books Review Workshop attendees
Dr Lesiba Ledwaba, Acting Director of Library Systems and Support Services, warmly welcomed attendees. "This workshop,” he said, “is crucial in promoting high-quality children's literature, particularly in indigenous languages. Book reviews play a vital role in ensuring excellence and accessibility, and I urge all participants to contribute to the ongoing efforts to provide children with quality books in languages they understand."
The workshop was facilitated by two distinguished professionals in the field: Nomvuyo Lerato Mzamane, an award-winning educator with over three decades of international experience in educational initiatives, and Zanele Ndlovu, an enthusiastic social entrepreneur dedicated to rural literacy development. Their combined expertise provided attendees with invaluable insights into the nuances of book reviewing, including mining metadata, assessing readability, and crafting compelling critiques.
Workshop in progress
During the interactive sessions, participants explored essential aspects of book reviewing. "A good review goes beyond summarising a story; it evaluates structure, cultural relevance, and readability," explained Mzamane. Ndlovu added, "Our goal is to equip reviewers with practical strategies to make African-language books more discoverable and accessible worldwide."
"Reviewing books has deepened my appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding through literature," said Sophia van der Walt, an Information Search Librarian from LIS. She shared her passion for reading and book reviewing, mentioning how she started an Instagram account two years ago to share her love for books, which led her to join advance reader groups. Through these platforms, she receives pre-release books in exchange for honest reviews, allowing her to support authors, especially independent ones, and discover diverse stories she might have otherwise missed.
The event also highlighted the role of Puku’s ONIX-driven Pukupedia portal, a transformative tool designed to facilitate the sourcing, selection, and distribution of African-language books. With representatives from various literary and educational institutions present, the workshop underscored the collective responsibility of stakeholders in fostering a vibrant reading culture.
As the day concluded, participants left with a deeper appreciation of the power of storytelling and the crucial role of book reviewers in shaping the literary landscape for young readers. The commitment to #MoreBooksBetterBooks remains steadfast, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage with literature that reflects their language and culture.
* By Itumeleng Mpete, Marketing Officer, Department of Library and Information Services
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