Children’s book author captivates primary school pupils on National Book Week
Dr Alicia English is joined on stage by two pupils from Aristea Primary School, in Kraaifontein, while reading from her latest children's book A Star Named Ally.
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Children’s book author Dr Alicia English captivated more than 100 Grade 3 pupils from Aristea Primary School during a storytelling session at Kraaifontein Library on Wednesday, September 10.
The event formed part of National Book Week, celebrated from September 5 to 11, which encourages South Africans to embrace reading as a source of enjoyment and an everyday habit.
The week also coincides with International Literacy Day, marked globally on September 8.
Dr English shared her newly released book, A Star Named Ally, inspired by South African scientist Dr Tana Joseph, whose work focuses on x-ray binary star systems, transient radio-wave sources, and Magellanic Cloud galaxies. She kept the children enthralled with her stories while highlighting the power of reading in shaping young minds.
Kraaifontein librarian Kayla Johnson said about 139 pupils attended the session.
“In the past, people did not have access to information, and now you have rights. We would like to raise awareness that you have a right to buy a book and take out books from your library,” she said.
A media professional of 28 years, Dr English turned to writing children's stories and promoting reading comprehension among children after her husband died of Covid-19 in 2021.
That same year, she co-wrote I Miss Daddy with her now 11-year-old son, Matthew, to raise awareness about child grief.
Since then, she has written three Mitchell's Plain inspired children's books, namely Shanté and the Whale, Mahalia the Rainbow Princess and I Can.
Dr English said: “It was so exciting to speak to the kids from the Aristea Primary School. To see their excitement and their love for reading and storytelling just encouraged me to continue to do what I do — to promote reading and comprehension.
“I think the library plays such a critical role in our communities. Reading and libraries changed my life, and I became a journalist, editor, publisher, and now a children's book author.”