Kelly Kaschula's philosophy drives her mission: to empower children to embrace their uniqueness and approach life with confidence and resilience.
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Renowned South African author, illustrator and publisher, Kelly Kaschula, is set to launch the third volume of her popular children's book series, “Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers”, volume 3, in June.
Enthusiastic about the forthcoming release, Kaschula shared the official cover on Instagram, highlighting the collection of insightful tales designed to inspire hope and change.
“I wanted to give you a taste of the awesomeness to come and the outstanding co-authors who decided to share their wise words through these ‘Brave Stories’,” Kaschula wrote.
The series, aimed at nurturing courageous and empathetic young minds, goes beyond storytelling; it aims to create a movement of inspiration, empowering children to believe in themselves and their potential to enact positive change.
Hailing from SA, Kaschula’s journey into literature began in childhood, ignited by a simple classroom assignment at the tender age of nine. After obtaining a degree in film-making, her path took a significant turn toward children's literature, where she found a purpose in marrying her love for storytelling with impactful illustrations and book design.
In “Brave Kids”, Volume 2, Kaschula invites young readers on an exhilarating voyage aboard the HMS Explorer. This collection, filled with magical creatures and relatable challenges, encompasses stories from authors around the world. Children will meet mighty dragons, conversing animals, and brave heroes navigating issues like bullying and self-doubt engaging narratives that resonate with young readers.
As the driving force behind the “Brave Kids" series, Kaschula advocates for the importance of honouring children's gifts and fostering their creativity. “What if the gifts we were born with were honoured and celebrated instead of ignored or brushed off as ‘just our wild imagination?’” she poses. Her philosophy drives her mission: to empower children to embrace their uniqueness and approach life with confidence and resilience.
The impact of Kaschula's work on children's literature is on a steep rise. Recently, “Brave Kids” was announced as a finalist in the 2024 International Book Awards for children’s minds, body, and spirit, showcasing her dedication to meaningful storytelling. Beyond the “Brave Kids” series, she has created “The Super-Dooper-Secret Collection”, featuring the charming adventures of the character Little Lizzie.
Kaschula’s talents extend into the world of book design, where she has crafted visually appealing covers and layouts across various genres, including nonfiction, poetry, and wellness books.
Her journey - from dreaming of a career in storytelling as a young girl in SA to becoming an internationally recognised author - is a testament to her passion and creativity. With the upcoming release, Kaschula and her team of global storytellers promise an adventure that will arm young readers with tools of bravery, kindness, and resilience. Each carefully penned story serves as a reminder that every child has the potential to be the hero of their narrative.