The Book Tree Podcast

The Book Tree

Welcome to The Book Tree - a South African literacy platform aimed at promoting literacy, inspiring children to read, and helping parents and caregivers on this path. Projects include facilitating reading, writing and creativity workshops, managing corporate investment literacy projects, writing children's books and running the Kingsmead Young Writers’ Competition. We help you find the best reads for your child by chatting to authors and illustrators, publishers and book store owners, literacy experts and teachers. We also unpack issues around literacy and writing skills, finding ways to inspire and grow young readers and creative thinkers. Your host is Corinne Rosmarin, journalist and children’s book author. Join us in exploring the ways, big and small, in which books and stories help us navigate life. 'There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not yet found the right book.' Author Frank Serafini www.thebooktree.co.za

  1. Episode 9: The Olympics of Reading: The Kids' Lit Quiz and Phendulani Quiz celebrate children with a love for reading

    08/05/2025

    Episode 9: The Olympics of Reading: The Kids' Lit Quiz and Phendulani Quiz celebrate children with a love for reading

    Literacy activist Marjorie Brown uses book quizzes to spark a love of reading and boost literacy in schools in South Africa. "Reading is just as important as sports for our general wellbeing" believes Brown and we couldn't agree more. Anti-Apartheid and literacy activist Marjorie Brown has transformed children’s lives by running the International Kids' Lit Quiz and starting her own local version, Phendulani Quiz for disadvantaged schools. She was nominated for the Global Teacher Award and embodies the passion and commitment the South African education system needs. The competitions, which focus on the top readers from Grade 5-7, connect and celebrate children with a passion and skill for reading. The international finals will be held on 13 August 2025 at St John's Prep in Johannesburg. You can find out more about Kids Lit Quiz here and Phendulani Quiz here... www.kidslitquiz.com and www.phendulani.com Book Reviews this month include: Claris the Chicest Mouse in Paris by Megan Hess ( Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing), Dance To Your Own Beat by Refiloe Moahloli and illustrated by Gabi Boy (Pan Macmillan), The Comet by Joe Todd Stanton (Flying Eye Books), Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey and illustrated by Mika Song (Chronicle Books) and the YA book, Uprooted by Naomi Novik (Pan Books). Find us on Apple and Spotify. Follow us on @booktreetalk

    44 min
  2. Episode 8: There's a book for that! Bibliotherapy is all about using books to heal

    06/23/2025

    Episode 8: There's a book for that! Bibliotherapy is all about using books to heal

    We know that books can make us feel better. But did you know there is a therapy that prescribes reading as a tool to improve your well-being? Bibliotherapy is the healing art of reading and it’s helping children and adults to process life events, normalise their issues, offer relatable characters and situations and find healing between the pages of a book. While it is not a cure-all, scientific studies show that reading helps adults and children with certain health, mental and developmental conditions. The origins can be traced to World War One, when soldiers were given books and poetry to ease their suffering and trauma. It returned in the 1990's and has experienced a recent surge in popularity. We talk to Bijal Shah, bibliotherapist, author, book curator and founder of Book Therapy about her reading journey. Find out more about Bijal’s work here: https://www.booktherapy.io/pages/about-bijal. Her books: The Happiness Mindset and Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading are available on Amazon.co.za Why do so many children love the Percy Jackson series? Tess Rayner, co-founder of Akasha School, interviews her son, 12 year old Tom, who is racing through the series. Our book reviews this month include Vampi The Flying Guinea Pig by Lori-Ann Preston, Bongi Ballerina Takes A Bow by Kristien Potgieter, Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and Where The Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan.

    44 min
  3. Episode 7: Why We Need This Children’s Book About Apartheid

    04/06/2025

    Episode 7: Why We Need This Children’s Book About Apartheid

    In this episode I interview Xolisa Guzula, author and literacy scholar about her new book Together Apart: The Story of Living in Apartheid. This is an important children's book. Yes, it’s been 30 years since Apartheid ended. And we still need to understand how it shaped South Africa in so many ways, both visible and invisible. Xolisa explains why she co-wrote this book now, with historian Athambile Masola (Ph.D) and how it can be shared with children to explain differences and promote caring and understanding. I also talk about why getting children out of screens and into books is vital. With the Netflix series, Adolescence out, you need to know about the toxic Incel culture and what misogynistic voices our kids are exposed to. Let this series jolt you awake to become aware of what your children are consuming. And give them the love, support and safety they need at home to weather the truly difficult time of being a teenager in this crazy world. For support on this, contact Klik'd, a local company providing digital guidance to parents.  Finally we review three proudly South African books for your little ones, to inspire their self-belief and confidence. Brave Like Me is a true story of braveness in the face of discrimination by Zulaikha Patel, the gorgeous All That I Am – A collection Of South African Poems and Songs is edited by Refiloe Moahloli and The South African Alphabet of Affirmations has powerful kid's affirmations in all 11 languages. LISTEN, SHARE and COMMENT

    36 min

About

Welcome to The Book Tree - a South African literacy platform aimed at promoting literacy, inspiring children to read, and helping parents and caregivers on this path. Projects include facilitating reading, writing and creativity workshops, managing corporate investment literacy projects, writing children's books and running the Kingsmead Young Writers’ Competition. We help you find the best reads for your child by chatting to authors and illustrators, publishers and book store owners, literacy experts and teachers. We also unpack issues around literacy and writing skills, finding ways to inspire and grow young readers and creative thinkers. Your host is Corinne Rosmarin, journalist and children’s book author. Join us in exploring the ways, big and small, in which books and stories help us navigate life. 'There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not yet found the right book.' Author Frank Serafini www.thebooktree.co.za