Cook-Off at Gogo’s Spaza

by Salamina Mosese and illustrated by Vian Oelofsen (Human & Rousseau)

Recommended for Ages  6-9

Tumi and her twin cousins try to help Gogo win a cooking competition in this hilarious second book by Salamina Mosese for age 6-9 year olds.

There’s huge excitement in the heart of Soweto, as a cooking competition is announced and Gogo Tina decides to enter, after much persuasion from her grandchildren!  Tumi thinks she has the perfect plan: she and her cousins will surprise Gogo and help her win the competition by adding some creative flair to her dishes.  From snails to sweets everything backfires and they learn that there’s more to cooking than presentation and French flair! 

Cousins in cahoots

As we learnt in the previous book, Disaster at Gogo’s Spaza, when Tumi and her twin cousins Mpho and Lefa, are involved, trouble – and lots of fun – are sure to follow. Just reading about Gogo Tina’s famous vetkoek (traditional South African fried dough bread also called Amagwinya) made my mouth water. Her recipe is so famous people come from all over to buy her vetkoek and have a chat. But no matter how good she is – Gogo’s up against some fierce talent – Pierre with his French cuisine, Lindiwe’s special kota, and Mr Patel’s signature curry dish.

Great illustrations, characterisation and setting

Oelofson’s illustrations bring the text alive and the expressions on the children’s faces, from earnest and excited, to scared and relieved make us connect with them. The characterisation of Gogo Tina is spot on – she’s the perfect grandmother: strict but kind, loving and understanding. With grandmothers playing such a central role in so many children’s lives, it’s powerful to have her as a role model, and as a successful business woman, she shows the benefit of hardwork. Even when her grandchildren drive her mad, she’s still good natured and kind.

It’s every child’s dream to have their own little business, and Tumi’s excitement at being involved in the shop and her grandmother’s work is palpable. I can see her running the spaza one day! The children learn to accept responsibility for their actions and understand that they don’t always know best and sometimes unrequested meddling is more of a hindrance than a help. I love the South African setting of Soweto and the cast of characters who make up typical life in their neighbourhood. We need more feel-good children’s books about family and community with such a rich South African flavour.

Meet the author:

Salamina Mosese has over 22 years of experience in media and entertainment as an actress, MC, TV host and film producer. She has a BA degree in Corporate Communications from UJ and a post grad diploma in Business Management. She is a well-known face on television as presenter of Top Billing and for her role in series like Sewende Laan, Soul City and Erfsondes. She is managing director at Sorele Media and co-founder of AzaTV. Most recently she produced and starred in the popular South African feature film, Baby Mamas. She is married to actor and musician Howza Tsepo Mosese and has two daughters. Look out for her fun live book reading events here. 

Listen to our podcast review here.

PIC: Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images