Live online storytelling and a fun puppet show for children
The weekly events are dedicated to encouraging leisure reading and promoting the importance of books
‘NEVER have stories and the power of the imagination been so important than in this time of enforced isolation.’
These are the words of Elitha van der Sandt, CEO of the South African Book Development Council (SABDC).
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Together with the Department of Arts and Culture, SABDC formed the National Book Week initiative which, despite this being some months away (7-13 September), has been hosting live story telling events online each weekend for children since the start of lockdown.
This weekend will see Martelize Faber reading two Afrikaans tales – Sneeuwitjie en die sewe dwergies and Die takkie wat nie wou knak nie – as well as a puppet show from Margaret Auerbach of Spellbound Puppets, who will present Forest Adventure.
The weekly events are dedicated to encouraging leisure reading and promoting the importance of books.
‘The isolation has been hard on families. It has been our effort to lend harried parents a helping hand and keep children busy, entertained and informed while they are in lockdown and in most cases, bored,’ said van der Sandt.
‘Storytelling has tremendous value in promoting literacy, books and reading.
‘Over the past seven weeks we have invited a number of celebrated storytellers to create a happy environment for children and make stories accessible to as many children as possible.’
Those looking forward to the live puppet show and storytelling can join Margaret and Martelize at 11am tomorrow (Saturday) on National Book Week’s Facebook page – National Book Week SA.
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