#WeRead – Enriching fun for the whole family at SA Book Fair

The 2019 South African Book Fair is jam-packed with fare that combines lots of fun with a deeply enriching experience, making it the perfect day out for Johannesburg-based families from all walks of life.

Over all three days (6–8 September at Constitution Hill) experts in learning and teaching materials will be on hand to share their insights with parents, guardians and children on what books to read for learning and fun.

Among the many family highlights is Stories of Africa, a multi-lingual storytelling by activist and poet Gcina Mhlophe, whose traditional tales of Africa deepen our understanding of history and encourage children to read. Also not to be missed is the acclaimed Dance of the Dung Beetles which sees scientist Marcus Byrne and writer Helen Lunn bring to life the mysterious lives of dung beetles through 3 000 years of history and mythology.

Free performances take place in the National Book Week Magic Tent, and toddlers to grandparents are welcome to join in a celebration of the affirmative power of books and reading that includes:

• An appearance by The Gruffalo, and a multilingual reading of Julia Donaldson’s engaging story.

• Illustrator Toby Newsome entertaining the young ones with Gogo’s List, the acclaimed Ghanaian children’s book.

• isiZulu storyteller Zanele Ndlovu bringing ancient tales to life through Umakhwenyana, accompanied by the strings of her indigenous music instruments.

• Yes Yanga! coming to life through a spirited sharing by the much adored Refiloe Moahloli of her latest children’s book, in English, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

• Appearances by Funda Bala, our delightful National Book Week reading promotion mascot.

An exciting focus on the role of visual storytelling can be experienced in multiple ways at the 2019 Fair:

• The ongoing Illustrator’s Exhibition which features the work of children’s book illustrators Mogau Kekana and Toby Newsome and comic book illustrators Loyiso Mkize, Clyde Beech and Nathi Ngubane.

• Find Your SA Art Heroes: Renowned art expert Dr Cobi Labuschagne and designer Lauren Mulligan take youngsters on a journey of discovery through the world of contemporary South African art and artists, featuring the works of Mary Sibande, Zander Blom, Banele Khoza, Billie Zangewa and many more.

• Ready, Steady, DRAW! Children’s book illustrators Mogau Kekana, Toby Newsome and Qaps Mngadi, and comic book illustrators Nathi Ngubane, Loyiso Mkize and Clyde Beech demonstrate their skills in a live drawing session.

Although schools are prioritised, there are a limited number of tickets available for parents and children to attend the Fair’s dedicated Schools Programme. This full day of storytelling, talks and workshops for learners and educators on Friday, September 6 focuses on nurturing a love of books and reading. Highlights include a superhero drawing session with award-winning author Sifiso Mzobe.

With plenty to eat and drink, easily accessible parking and public transport and more than 100 authors, poets, storytellers, creators and expert facilitators, the three-day event is not-to-be-missed for all families.

Book your tickets now via Webtickets. Tickets are also available at the door during the Fair. For more information and the full programme, visit www.southafricanbookfair.co.za. Daily admission tickets cost just R10, with children under 16 free.

South African Book Fair Quick Facts:

• The South African Book Fair takes place from 6–8 September at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg.

• Friday, 6 September is a dedicated school’s programme aimed at learners and teachers from Grade 1 to Grade 11.

• Saturday, 7 September and Sunday, 8 September are open to all visitors.

• The programme features close to 100 authors across nearly 40 panel discussions and sessions.

• A vibrant marketplace will showcase all aspects of the book industry and includes experts on learning and reading.

• This year sees the addition of an Illustrator’s Exhibition within the Women’s Jail Atrium, featuring the work of five book illustrators.

• The Fair’s signature Poetry Café and African Philosophy Café will once again host compelling and topical performances and discussions.

• An Indigenous Languages Text Editing Indaba will take place on Friday, 6 September. This is an event aimed at editors working on original works published in indigenous languages. For further information contact cheri@sabookcouncil.co.za.

• An Author’s Corner on 7 and 8 September will be dedicated to skills transfer as part of the Fair’s focus on transformation of the book industry. Authors and others can book face-to-face interactions with industry specialists and attend dedicated workshops.

• A Family Zone will include the National Book Week Magic Tent, among other activities.

• There will be a variety of food and drink on sale throughout the Fair.

• Constitution Hill is accessed easily by public transport and there is on-site parking.

• The programme is based on #Ourstories and aims to distinctively showcase the power of books and reading to nurture positive growth and transformation in South Africa.

• Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets or at the door. Entry tickets are R10 and programme session tickets are R40.

• Schools wanting to take part in Friday’s programme should contact info@southafricanbookfair.co.za. Our website can be found at https://www.southafricanbookfair.co.za. You can find South African Book Fair on social media @SABookFair (Twitter), @SouthAfricanBookFair (Facebook), and https://www.instagram.com/sabookfair/

• In creating a reading habit among as many South Africans as possible we encourage the use of these hashtags: #SABF2019 (primary), #Buyabook, #Ourstories, and #WeRead

• The South African Book Fair is hosted by the South African Book Development Council, in proud association with the Fibre, Processing and Manufacturing SETA.