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 work strengthens children’s literature in the South African context by combining culturally-relevant storytelling.