CHILDREN’S book author, Jesse Drayton of uMhlanga, has always had a deep passion for storytelling and bringing stories to life through vivid illustrations and magical narratives.

After graduating with an MBA from the Henley Business School he explored various genres, but his heart belonged to crafting stories that ignite young imaginations.

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“I believe in the power of stories to tackle literacy challenges, not just here in South Africa, but all around the world. Beyond my own work, I find joy in supporting fellow authors on their journeys, helping them realise their dreams of sharing their stories with the world,” he said.

His love for writing began with the captivating stories his parents would tell him as a child. Those magical and adventurous stories, along with his growing passion for literature, poetry, and lyrics during his school years, set the stage for his creative journey.

Drayton has written four books to date, Teddy Crumpet and the Lost Star, The Great Outdoors, A Caterpillar’s Magical Journey and Laura and the Enchanted Forest.

“The idea for my books came to me during a particularly creative period following the completion of my MBA. I found myself trying to fill a void with something meaningful and in a moment of inspiration, more like a light bulb moment, I conceived over 20 different ideas for children’s books. These stories are drawn from the fabric of everyday life, the adventures I’ve encountered, and the world around us,” he said.

“Each of the characters in my books are crafted from a spark of imagination and developed into a beautiful narrative rich with themes and magic. These stories not only capture unique adventures but also have the potential to unfold across different mediums, perhaps even as animations or films, inviting audiences to dive into their enchanting worlds,” added Drayton.

The author says more books are planned for the near future but these ones can be found on Amazon for his international audience and through his website for local readers, while he works on making them available in local bookstores.

Drayton can be contacted on 065 619 4917 or via email: info@jessedrayton.com. Visit www.jessedrayton.com for more details.

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