Top New Children's Books in South Africa for 2022
Isa's Top Reads for 2022
Isa shares some insight into a few of his favourite books of 2022.
Follow his book journey on social media on #BookDriveZA
1. 101 Jokes Collection (101 Animal Jokes, 101 Silly Jokes, 101 Knock-Knock Jokes, 101 School Jokes) by Jaco Jacobs
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Who doesn't enjoy a good joke book?! Nabihah and Isa couldn't contain their laughter with all the knock-knock, animal, school, and silly jokes which Jaco Jacobs has shared in his four hilarious books.
2. Amara Goes to the Olympics by Ms YJ Banda (Lady Zamar) illustrated by Cabblow Studios
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Isa enjoyed the journey that Amara took to reach her goal, especially with her condition. He could also relate to the story because he will be going to Grade 3 next year, but many people mistaken him for only starting Grade 1.
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 17: Diper Ovelode by Jeff Kinney
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
One of Isa's favourite book series and movies is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He always has a good laugh at all the antics of Greg Heffley, especially when Greg's older brother Rodrick is involved.
4. Eleven Dogs Live With Me: A True Tail by Jennifer Lindridge illustrated by Tori Stowe
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
After reading The Fuzz-Fuzz last year, Isa was eager to learn about eleven dogs. He now knows the names of some of the dogs featured in the book, and can spot them when he visits the parks.
5. Flap! Rattle! Stomp! by Irene Berman
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
A story of a guineafowl, a porcupine, and a buffalo, taught Isa some valuable lessons, and how to overcome certain situations.
6. Once Upon A Sign: Ayen's First Day by Nancy Garland illustrated by Thuto Mvulane
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
This year in Life Skills Isa learnt about people who have hearing disabilities. He also learnt some sign language, so the timing of reading this book was perfect, as he enjoyed learning more on the subject with the Grade 5 kids of the book.
7. Thabo the Space Dude Log Book 3: Voyagers in Space by Lori-Ann Preston illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
The third edition of Thabo the Space Dude is another fun adventure with Kurt, Zen, Charon, Styx, Gany, and Owlolo. Thabo records his daily activities over the next 3 weeks. Isa recommends reading the first two books of Thabo the Space Dude to appreciate the third one.
8. The Boy Who Hated Insects by Dianne Stewart illustrated by Imile Wepener
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
This was probably one of the most educational books for Isa this year. For a boy who actually wasn't fond of insects, Isa has now started exploring the different species like Joshua Finkelstein Bade.
9. The Crystal Chronicles: The Amazing Underground Adventure and The Amazing Deep Sea Adventure by Benjamin G Hewett and Paddy Muldon illustrated by Anja Stoeckigt
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Two completely unique adventures, created by over 30 family and friends around the world during lockdown. Isa thoroughly enjoyed stretching his imagination to visualize the underground and deep sea adventure which Jack, Lily, and Odinn go on, and he tries to re-enact some of it with his action figures.
10. The Lion Tamer's Assistant by Solet Scheeres illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
A fictional story based on the Southern African landscapes set in the 1930's about the Pagel's Circus. Isa found it very interesting to learn what some places were called in the 1930's. He also gained some insight into the world of a circus, which helped him to appreciate the circus more when he did visit one this year.
11. The Rumbling Rhino by Roslynne Toerien illustrated by Julie Smith-Belton
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
The books aim is to create awareness around the endangered Rhinos, and the author is also involved with a non-profit organisation who are assisting in the protection and preservation of these beautiful creatures. It was a real eye-opener for Isa to learn about Rhinos through this book, and he loves that he was gifted one of the original illustrations of a Rhino from the book by the author.
12. The Vegan Vampire and Other Fantastic Fiction by Marieta Nel
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Another great addition to our home-schooling collection is the anthology compiled by Marieta Nel. There are short stories, folklore, poetry, and drama all packed into these awesome bundle. Isa's favourite part of the book, was when we role-played some of the scenes in the drama section.
13. The Worst Restaurant in the Universe by Jaco Jacobs illustrated by Dale Blankenaar
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Comically hilarious short stories from Jaco Jacobs make this collection one of Isa's favourite books this year. The story about the mistaken identity of Brandon Skye's doppelganger is one Isa loves to hear over and over again.
14. Trixie by Lori-Ann Preston illustrated by Elanie Bieldt
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
Three hilarious stories in one book about a mischievous primary school girl named Trixie. Isa laughed so hard, as though he was watching his favourite cartoon every time Miss LunaTick tries to keep order at Mizzery Primary while Trixie unleashes her bags of tricks.
15. Under the Boabab Tree by Roslynne Toerien illustrated by Julie Smith-Belton
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
One of the highlights of this year for Isa was meeting the author of Under the Baobab Tree, Roslynne Toerien, having her sign both his books, and to be part of a live book reading session with her. The interesting facts which he learnt at the end of this book together with the storyline of all the animals who are featured, made it an edu-taining read.
16. Z is for Zack Book 10: The Zoo by Jaco Jacobs
Photo Credits Ziyaad Plaatjes
In the tenth book of the Z is for Zack collection, Zack and his classmates are off to the Zoo, and Brett the school bully tries to ruin the day for everyone. Isa learnt about bullies, and... well he doesn't want to spoil the ending, but his joyful laughter might give you a clue of what happens.
Ziyaad Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com & Let's Torque ZA, who was named one of Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans in the Arts, Entertainment, Film & Media Category.
He is a Bachelor of Commerce Honours graduate and has been running businesses since the age of 13. Ziyaad is a social media fundi and content creator, but has taken on many roles in various industries over the years. With his entrepreneurial skills and vast knowledge he assists individuals and businesses to grow and achieve their goals.
Find him at: Instagram: @ziyaad_86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza Twitter: @ziyaad86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza Facebook: iloveza.com / Let's Torque ZA LinkedIn: Ziyaad Plaatjes / iloveza.com YouTube: iloveza.com SoundCloud: iloveza.com TikTok: @ilovezacom E-mail: ziyaad@iloveza.com
