All That I Am: A Collection of South African Poems & Songs

Edited by Refiloe Moahloli and illustrated by Katlego Keokgale (Pan Macmillan)

Age 3+

A jam-packed book of South African songs and poems in each of South Africa’s eleven official languages.

Explore this vibrant tapestry of South African culture by singing and speaking out the local treasury of songs and poems, curated especially for young readers. Many of the poems are part of the rich oral tradition of South Africa’s varied cultures. They are often passed down from generation to generation, changing over the years. Some are anonymous and others acknowledged.

Compiled by acclaimed children’s book author Refiloe Moahloli, the book features traditional and contemporary works in the rainbow nation’s 11 official spoken languages, (Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu), each accompanied by an English translation.

The contributors include authors Sindiwe Magona, Jaco Jacobs, Gcina Mhlophe and more and the works celebrate the diversity and beauty of South Africa and its people.

Illustrated throughout in full colour by award-winning illustrator Katlego Keokgale. I did find it tricky to know what tune to sing or rhythm to use, so I would love it if Pan Macmillan bought out a spoken/sung version of the book.

The perfect gift book.