The Best Children’s Books In Local Languages
One of the best ways to improve your child’s mother-tongue language is through reading. Reading focuses on grammar, vocabulary and comprehension, which are all essential elements of language learning.
In South Africa, it can be quite challenging to find children’s books in local languages. With 12 official languages, quality children’s literature can often feel limited.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best children’s books in local languages to help you and your child learn their mother tongue!
1. English Children’s Books
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in South Africa. It is also a mandatory subject in schools, whether first addition or second addition.
If your household speaks English as the first language or if you want to introduce your child to English, here are some great English children’s books to consider:
- Matilda by Roald Dahl
- The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
You can also read our other blog posts that are filled with great English books for teens and children:
2. Afrikaans Children’s Books
Afrikaans is the third most spoken language in South Africa and is widely used as a second language. It is also the language of instruction in some schools.
If your household speaks Afrikaans or if you want to introduce your child to the language, here are some great Afrikaans children’s books:
- Jock Van Die Bosveld deur James Percy Fitzpatrick
- Suurlemoen! deur Jaco Jacobs
- Trompie deur Topsy Smith
- Babalela deur Martie Preller
- Liewe Heksie Omnibus deur Verna Vels
3. IsiXhosa Children’s Books
Xhosa is one of the largest African languages in South Africa. It is also one of the official languages and is widely spoken in the Eastern Cape province.
If your household speaks isiXhosa or if you want to introduce your child to the language, here are some great isiXhosa children’s books:
- Wanda by Sihle Nontshokweni, Mathabo Tlali, Burgen Thorne & Chantelle Thorne
- Mpumi’s Magic Beads by Lebohang Masango & Masego Morulane
- Umntwana Ongabona-Kaliyo by Tove Jannson
- Ukubalasela Komntu Endinguye by Tshwanelo Serumola
- Andindodwa by Refiloe Moahloli
4. IsiZulu Children’s Books
Zulu is also one of the largest African languages in South Africa and is widely spoken in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
If your household speaks Zulu or if you want to introduce your child to the language, here are some great IsiZulu children’s books:
- A Friend For All Seasons: isiZulu Edition by Refiloe Moahloli
- Icilo IikaZan by Zandile Ndhlovu
- Ntofo-Ntofo by Jennifer Lindridge
- A Trip To The Zoo: Zulu Bilingual Edition by Mohammed Umar and Busisiwe Pakade
- Nginsundu Nginezinwele Ezisongene by Karen Theunissen
5. Sesotho Children’s Books
Sesotho is spoken by the Basotho people in Lesotho and South Africa. It is also one of the official languages in South Africa.
If your household speaks Sesotho or if you want to introduce your child to the language, here are some great Sesotho children’s books:
- Shudu Finds Her Magic by Shudufhadzo Musida
- What does Mpumi Wear by Lebohang Masango & Masego Morulane
- The Best Meal Ever by Sindiwe Magona & Paddy Bouma
- Je suis petite, moi ? Na ke monyane?: French-Sesotho Edition by Philipp Winterberg
- We Are One Pb: Sesotho Edition by Refiloe Moahloli
Improve Your Mother-Tongue Language Skills!
With these children’s books in local languages, your child can learn and improve their mother-tongue language skills while also having fun! From Afrikaans to isiXhosa, there are many more South African languages to explore and discover through children’s books.
To further improve your child’s language skills, invest in our language tutoring services. At Tutor Doctor, we offer personalised tutoring sessions that cater to your child’s specific learning needs and goals.
Let’s celebrate and embrace South Africa’s diverse cultures and languages by encouraging our children to learn their mother-tongue language!
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