Maryanne Bester is a South African author known for her literary works that focus on the complexities of life identity and relationships. She has gained recognition for her ability to address deep social and personal issues in her writing often exploring themes related to family dynamics cultural traditions and the challenges faced by women in […]
Lorna Gutierrez is a children’s‑book author and poet who writes uplifting, empowering picture books designed to help kids build confidence, self‑esteem, and imagination. Her titles — including Dare to Dream Big and Dare — use poetic language and inclusive storytelling to encourage children to believe in themselves and embrace their uniqueness. Gutierrez’s work often addresses […]
Loyiso Mkize (born 1987, Butterworth, Eastern Cape) is a South African visual artist, illustrator, and creator of the acclaimed Kwezi comic series — South Africa’s first locally produced superhero comic. A graduate of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Graphic Design, Mkize began his career as the head illustrator for Supa Strikas before founding […]
Lorato Trok is a South African children’s-literature specialist with over 20 years’ experience in writing, translation, editing and early-literacy promotion. She has authored children’s picture books and young-adult nonfiction biographies in English and Setswana, and has been instrumental in developing multilingual reading-for-enjoyment materials for children across South Africa and beyond. In May 2024 she was […]
Lebohang Masango is an esteemed author who wears many hats. She is an academic, anthropologist, poet, and literacy advocate who volunteers as an advocate for UNICEF South Africa. In addition to this Masango is a Zanele Mbeki fellow who also serves as an ambassador for World Read Aloud Day.
Ken Wilson-Max is a Zimbabwe born, London based children’s author, illustrator, and publisher dedicated to creating inclusive, joyful picture books in which children from all backgrounds can see themselves. Over his career he has published dozens of books — often with bold, warm illustrations and stories rooted in everyday childhood and African heritage. Through his […]
Kidi Bebey is a French-Cameroonian writer and journalist based in Paris. Former editor in chief of Pan-African magazines for young adults, she is the author of fiction and nonfiction books for children and young adults, some of which have been translated into Mandarin, Zulu and English. She is highly committed to the promotion and transmission […]
Lalu Mokuku is a multilingual storyteller, playwright, facilitator, performer and academic. Her vision is to use the arts for justice and enhancing botho (humanity). She co-wrote an award-winning play Dipalo with Ginni Manning. She is the Artistic Director of meqoqocollective_ and specialises in Applied Theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences. She has performed Butterfly Heart […]
Lawrence Schimel is a prominent bilingual writer, translator and anthologist
Karen Theunissen grew up in Johannesburg South Africa. She studied law at the University of the Witwatersrand where she obtained her BA Law LLB and LLM degrees. She practices her writing by blogging on a regular basis under the style of Mumziboo. Karen writes to ignite the imagination creativity and curiosity of young children. Her […]
Jean Muzinge Mbonyi is an author known for his contributions to children’s literature particularly stories that explore cultural themes and moral lessons. Jean Fullalove is a South African illustrator renowned for her contributions to children’s literature. Her work often features vibrant and engaging illustrations that bring stories to life.
Jean-Jacques Vayssières is a French illustrator and writer who has lived for many years in Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean. During the 1950s, he was present in Francs-Jeux with comic stories like ‘La Revolte’.
Kaanitah Cassim is a South African children’s author best known for Peggy’s Smile (co-illustrated by Monde Mraji), a story that explores themes of confidence and self-esteem as young Peggy realises her own uniqueness. The book is part of the New African Stories series, originally published in 2003 and available in multiple South African languages. Cassim’s […]
Ian Lusted is a South African children’s‑book author and illustrator whose bold, clear artwork and simple, accessible texts make him a favourite among early‑reading audiences. His illustrations — often likened to the style of Dick Bruna — are characterised by simple outlines, bright flat colours, and clean compositions, which help bring stories to life for […]
Gomolemo Moagi – Storyteller, writer, children’s book reviewer, translator, and interior designer. Focuses on accessible, culturally rich children’s stories and reviews. Combines creative writing with design and translation skills, promoting visual and linguistic inclusivity in children’s literature. Works to bridge storytelling, language, and visual design for young readers in African contexts.
Gcina Mhlophe is a celebrated South African storyteller, author, poet and playwright whose work has inspired children around the world. For more than three decades, she has travelled widely, sharing her powerful stories in schools, libraries and theatres, and helping to keep the rich tradition of African oral storytelling alive. She has written many children’s […]
Gcina Mhlophe is a renowned South African storyteller, playwright, poet and actress, celebrated for her rich contributions to the arts and literature. Over the course of her career, she has become one of the most influential voices in African storytelling. Gcina’s works highlight the power of oral traditions and often explore themes of heritage, culture […]
Welcome to Puku’s new website and children’s bookstore. We are excited to introduce a rich selection of children’s books in South African languages, to readers young and old.
