Nicola Obertik, a local writer and illustrator’s journey into children’s literature
Local author and illustrator is captivating young hearts with stories that celebrate South African wildlife, foster critical thinking, and offer gentle guidance on navigating big feelings like anxiety.
For 15 years, Fourways has been home to Nicola Obertik, a former teacher who has traded lesson planning for captivating children’s stories.
Now a self-published author and illustrator, Obertik is making waves with her engaging books, blending a passion for literacy with a deep love for South Africa’s rich tapestry of wildlife and culture.
Obertik’s journey from the classroom to the publishing world was a natural progression. With more than two decades of experience working with young children, she witnessed firsthand the power of stories to ignite imaginations and foster critical thinking.
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“I love using the illustrations to capture children’s imaginations,” she said. Inspired by her artistic family and a desire to create relatable and meaningful content for children, Obertik self-published her first book, Imi’s Sore Tooth- An African Fairy Adventure, in 2019.
Her time as a teacher in Fourways allowed her to forge connections with learners and parents, many of whom are now close friends. This connection to the community fuels her desire to create stories that resonate with children and celebrate the unique aspects of South African life.
Her African Fairy Adventure series, aimed at children aged 4-10, is a prime example of this. Born from the simple observation of children dressing as fairies, Obertik envisioned African fairies that would reflect the cultural diversity of the nation.
These stories beautifully intertwine fantasy with factual information about South African wildlife, teaching children about biodiversity, co-existence, and the importance of caring for others. One particularly heartwarming book in the series, The Lonely Weaver’s Best Nest, was a collaboration with her daughter, inspired by a persistent weaver bird in their garden.
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Beyond the enchanting world of fairies, Obertik has also tackled important themes in her standalone books. Amahle’s Choice, featuring a young mermaid, subtly incorporates counting and colours while promoting a powerful message of body positivity.
Most impactful is Obertik’s latest book, Popcorn’s Secrets for Facing Fears. Inspired by her daughter’s journey with anxiety, and drawing on tools provided by an educational psychologist, this book offers young children practical methods for dealing with fear. “As a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and as a teacher, I feel there is a need to teach children methods to help deal with anxiety.”
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Self-publishing presents its own set of challenges, from bearing all the costs to navigating the complexities of distribution. However, for Obertik, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. “The rewards are hearing how much a child loves reading your book.”
Obertik’s books are available through various online platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Amazon print-on-demand, Kobo, and Snapplify. Print copies can be ordered directly from nikki@nixpix.co.za.
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