Lori-Ann Preston

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.

For many children, writing can be really daunting, and sometimes even boring. But it doesn't have to feel like a chore. With the right approach, you can spark creativity and show your child how to fall in love with writing.