Lori-Ann Preston

Seeing Thabo, the Space Dude come to life on stage was a dream come true. From the excitement of opening day to the incredible performances and creative set design, this theatrical adaptation was truly an out-of-this-world experience.

Why are tweens so drawn to characters who aren’t perfect? Just look at books like Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Trixie and Thabo, the Space Dude – they're full of them! Clearly, kids love a little mischief. So let’s explore why flawed characters matter.

It’s absolutely wonderful to see the rich diversity of children's books being written by South Africans in 2025. Here are a few that I loved reading.