South Africa's Children Book Fair

Jozi Book Fair 2017

Jozi Book Fair

The Jozi Book Fair was held from 1-4 September at the Wits Science Stadium, a lovely open and sunny venue surrounded by tutorial rooms. The theme  was “Youth Rising” and young people were in evidence everywhere, singing, dancing, acting and talking about books and reading. 

Young people were invited to send short stories  in to a school competition. Ten of these were selected by Jenny Hatton, Mohale Mashigo and Joan Rankin for publication and the book was launched at the fair.

SCBWI had a stall at the Jozi Book Fair. 

SCBWI members were invited to display their work and assist at the stall. This was all organised by  Matina Genkova-Mpofu.

Joan Rankin sat at a nearby table and helped young people to be creative. Many went away with their own little books which they had illustrated.

Thursday and Friday’s programme for school children was followed by workshops for the general public on Saturday and Sunday. These included ones for aspiring and established  writers and illustrators of children’s books such as the one offered by Joan Rankin and Jenny Hatton: Stealing Ideas – learning from the experts. See the website www.jozibookfair.org.za  

Alan Durant, author of over 100 books for children and young adults, was a special visitor to the fair and his workshop on picture books was a highlight for many.

SCBWI at the Jozi Book Fair

A visitor to the Fair

SCBWI members were invited to exhibit their books and other promotional material at the Jozi Book Fair held from 11-13 September 2015.  Matina Genkova-Mpofu did an outstanding job as organiser of the stand and various members took turns to be on duty.

Members also facilitated events. Joan Rankin held workshops in creativity for both children and adults. Jenny Hatton's play The Hare, Squirrel, Old Man and his Daughter was performed. She also facilitated a discussion on the importance of reading. A highlight of the fair was In Conversation with Joan Rankin (with Jenny Hatton).

Matina at the SCBWI stand

Jozi Book Fair

The Jozi Book Fair will be held from 11 – 13 September on Wits Campus with the theme Children’s Literature and Childhood. SCBWI will have a stand and some of our members will be hosting events. See www.jozibookfair.org.za

Authors and illustrators of children’s books who are members of SCBWI are invited to exhibit their books, promotional material or artwork (space permitting). In exchange, they will be asked to be on duty for a couple of hours on one of the days.

Matina Genkova-Mpofu is managing the stand. Please contact her at mompofu@yahoo.com or telephone her at 083 518-8555 by 3 September to express your interest.

Important notice: SA Book Fair to be held in Johannesburg

The SABF is being held from 31 July to 2 August in Johannesburg this year. They are offering illustrators the opportunity to demonstrate at an illustration easel. Every hour on the hour, there will be a different illustrator at the easel for children to watch. There are 18 slots over the three days that can be filled on a roster basis. Please contact Jenny at SCBWI.SA.Gauteng@mweb.co.za by 17 June if you would like to take part. Indicate whether you’re interested in a morning or afternoon slot on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.