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.