Do you have a children’s book you dream of getting published?

Find out more about the publishing scene in South Africa with Brad and Alison Harris of Imagnary House Publishers, one of South Africa’s most successful independent publishers.

Imagnary House is an award-winning South African publishing house and media developer with a massive heart for imaginative storytelling driven by authentic characters. Founded in 2015 by Brad Harris and Alison Harris, they have a heartwarming and creatively vibrant array of locally produced books in their stable.

Winners of the Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Book Publisher: Africa in 2025 they are currently expanding beyond books into audio, animation, and experiential retail. Their philosophy guides everything they do: “If you walk in the measurable, you miss out on the imaginable.”

If you are a children’s book writer or illustrator looking for support and advice, consider joining the Society of Childen’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). They are an international group with a local chapter. Email here for more information.

Listen here now –Apple and Spotify.

Book World News: The annual Young Writers’ Competition has launched this month and the theme is Out Of This World! Children from around the country aged 6-18 have two months to submit an original story, written to one of four topics. See more here. Entries close 2 April 2026.

Plus we have three beautifully illustrated picture books to review this month, see below.

Book Reviews

Ode To The River

Written and Illustrated by Emily House (Imagnary House)

Ages 6-10

A gorgeous 56-page picture book that follows the mystery of rivers: where do they begin and where do they end? Read more.

This Is A Book About Monsters!

Written by Jaco Jacobs and illustrated by Theodore Key (Pan Macmillan)

Age 5-9

This is a book about fairies. Except… the monsters keep taking over. Are there even any fairies in this book? A laugh out loud picture book.

Don't Think Of Tigers

Written and illustrated by Alex Latimer (Anderson Press)

Age 3-7

This is a magical invitation to young readers 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. Read More.