Book Themes
Looking for books with a particular theme?
We’ve highlighted popular themes in our book reviews and blogs – from books about bullying and starting school to adventure and fantasy series. And we’re adding to them all the time. If there’s anything you’re looking for in particular, type it into the search icon below or drop us a note!
Brave Like Me!
Brave Like Me! is based on the author Zulaikha Patel's true story of being a scared young girl who finds her braveness through self-belief and later activism against racism and discrimination.
RMB Latitudes X The Book Tree 2026
Where Stories Grow: The Book Tree held a creative space at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg from 22- 24 May 2026.
How to Make a Zine
A zine (pronounced 'zeen', like the end of magazine) is a self-published mini magazine. Almost like a mini book, but they are made from one piece of paper folded up to make 8 pages. They are easy to make and fun to read and share.
Children try to use books like smartphones
Studies show that about one in three children instinctively try to swipe physical books as if they were smartphones or tablets. Growing up in a digital-first world, many kids are so used to touchscreens that they apply the same gestures to traditional books, expecting pages to turn with a swipe.
The Princess In The Kitchen Garden
A beautifully written and illustrated book about a young girl’s grief when her mother dies and she is left to take care of her little brother while her busy father escapes to his study – all three of them lost in their sadness.
We’re Going on an Egg Hunt
One of our favourite Easter themed books by bestselling author Martha Mumford, this lift-the-flap hunt for eggs will get little ones in an Easter mood! Ages 2-6
Young Writers’ Competition 2026
The 5th Young Writers' Competition 2026 was a bumper year with over 900 entries. Find our more here and read the award-winning stories. Open to all South African children age 6-18.
Don’t Think Of Tigers
This book is magical invitation to the young reader to imagine any animal and the narrator will draw it. There’s just one problem: they’re really bad at drawing tigers. So whatever you do - don’t think of tigers! Funny and beautifully drawn with a heartwarming message that mistakes are important because that's how we learn.
Ode To The River
A gorgeous rhyming picture book by Emily House that follows the mystery of rivers: where do they begin and where do they end?
Episode 13 – How To Get Published
Do you have a children's book you dream of getting published?
We discuss the publishing scene in South Africa with Brad and Alison Harris of award-winning Imagnary House Publishers, one of South Africa's most successful independent publishers.
Episode 12 – How To Build Your Child’s Creativity and Imagination
'To be able to ideate, to think a fresh thought and offer it, is the only hope for our future.' Lindi Bell, Reggio educator and founder of Small World School in Johannesburg, shares her insights into creativity and imagination.
Episode 11 – Refiloe Moahloli on how to become a children’s book author
We chat to bestselling author Refiloe Moahloli about her journey. From an early career in the corporate world, and a life changing trip to Mumbai, she took a chance and dedicated herself to her dream of writing children's book - with a clear plan in action. As one of South Africa's best known children's book authors with the popular How Many Ways series, her story is inspiring and relatable.
Neo’s Invisible Blanket
Author, actress and producer Salamina Mosese tells a sweet story about a little boy who has to learn to find his bravery when when he feels scared to do new things.
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