Rutanang Kasi Book Festival

16/06/2026

The Unlikely Bully
The Unlikely Bully tells the powerful story of Themba, a tall, strong Grade 6 learner in Durban who becomes the unlikely target of bullying by Steve, a classmate of short stature. When Themba's teachers and friends dismiss his complaints because "Steve is half your size," Themba feels invisible and ashamed of his own height.

Enter a wise old woman at the beach who, through a dream-like journey beneath the ocean, teaches Themba profound lessons from sea creatures: the Clownfish who uses kindness for protection, the Octopus who uses cleverness over conflict, and the Sardines whose strength lies in unity.

Armed with this wisdom, Themba returns to school and responds to Steve not with anger, but with unexpected kindness and inclusion, creating "a ripple of kindness" that begins to transform their entire school community.

This Book Is For
Primary Audience:
• Children aged 8–12 (Grades 4–7)
• Children who have experienced bullying, whether as targets, witnesses, or even those who have bullied others.
• Parents and caregivers looking for meaningful conversation starters about kindness, empathy, and standing up for others.

Secondary Audience:
• Teachers and school counsellors: this book is an excellent classroom resource with built-in discussion questions and a note on respectful language.
• Libraries and schools seeking diverse, culturally relevant South African children's literature.
• Anyone interested in social-emotional learning and building inclusive communities.

What Makes This Book Special
✨ Unique Perspective – It flips the bullying narrative by making the "big kid" the victim and the "small kid" the bully, challenging stereotypes about who can be a bully or victim.
✨ Culturally Rich - It’s set in Durban with beautiful references to jacaranda trees, the Indian Ocean, and South African school life.
✨ Ocean Metaphors – The underwater dream sequence is both magical and deeply educational, introducing children to marine biology while teaching life lessons.
✨ Practical Wisdom – Includes discussion questions and a glossary of sea creatures, making it perfect for classroom or family reading.
✨ Powerful Message – "True strength is not in the body, but in the heart and the mind."
✨ Respectful Language – Includes a thoughtful note explaining why "midget" is offensive and how to use respectful language when referring to people with dwarfism.

Why It Resonates
This book understands something crucial: bullying is not about size—it's about power, insecurity, and the courage to break the cycle. By showing that Steve's bullying stems from feeling unseen and powerless, the story invites empathy without excusing harmful behaviour.

The message is clear: responding with kindness and understanding can calm the roughest seas.

12/06/2026

BROWN SKIN MAGIC
This beautiful, heartfelt story follows Khanyo, a 10-year-old girl who just wants to find her mom at the mall. Instead, she finds herself on a magical journey of self-discovery. She meets Mme Tshomo, a fairy godmother from another universe, who takes her to meet the pink people, the blue people, and helps her see the truth she’s been missing: her dark skin isn’t a flaw; it’s magic.

Brown Skin Magic tackles the painful reality of colourism, especially among young Black girls. It doesn't shy away from the hurtful names, the classroom humiliation, or the quiet wish to be lighter. But it also offers healing, hope, and a powerful reminder that beauty isn't about shade; it’s about self-love, melanin, and being kissed by the sun.

Who is this book for?
• Girls ages 8–13 who are navigating questions about their skin, beauty, and self-worth.
• Parents, teachers, and mentors who want to start gentle but honest conversations about colourism.
• Anyone raising or working with young Black girls who need to see themselves reflected as beautiful, worthy, and whole, just as they are.

This is more than a story. It’s a mirror and a balm. It’s highly recommended for every young girl who needs to hear: You are beautiful. You matter. Your skin has magic.

Have you or someone you know struggled with colourism? This book might be the conversation starter you’ve been looking for.

10/06/2026

THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH

If you’ve ever felt like your struggle is unseen, your pain is unique, or your faith is hanging by a thread, this book is for you.

The Testing is not a light read. It’s a deep, soul-stirring walk through the lives of biblical figures: Eve, David, Hagar, Joseph, Ruth, Peter, Esther, and many more, seen through the lens of their hardest moments. Not their victories. Their tests.

What makes this book different is how relatable it makes the Bible. Nomcebo Ngema doesn’t just retell stories, she steps into the skin of each person and asks: What did it feel like to be forgotten, rejected, afraid, or failing?

Who is this book for?
🔹 Anyone going through a painful season, whether it's emotional, spiritual, or physical.
🔹 Christians who feel tired of “Sunday answers” and want raw, honest faith.
🔹 Small groups or Bible study circles looking for deep discussion material.
🔹 Readers who love reflective, poetic storytelling mixed with Scripture.
🔹 Those who have ever doubted, run away, or felt unqualified for their calling.

This book won’t give you any quick fixes. It will give you company in the fire. Each chapter reads like a confession and a prayer. By the time you finish, you won’t feel alone in your testing. You’ll feel understood. And more importantly, you’ll remember that the same God who saw Hagar in the desert, strengthened David in the cave, and restored Peter after denial… is with you.

“The test will always come. And there is only one response: ‘It is written.’”

If you’re ready to sit with your questions and still find God faithful, read The Testing of your Faith.

Available now.

06/06/2026

If your physical health condition has changed, this is a book for you.

Last month you could run, and today you use a wheelchair or a cane. And your child is asking:

Will you walk again?
Are you still you?

These questions are not cruel. They're confused about love.

The Ability in Disability wasn't just written for kids with a disability, it was also written to your child, who is adjusting to the new version of you. In this book, disability isn't a tragedy, it's a different kind is strength.

When you read it together, your child will learn that:
Disability does not replace love.
Your body changed, not your heart.
They can still hug, love, trust and need you.

You don't have to explain some concepts. They can learn them through the story. Let this book hold your hand while you heal.

DM for your copy and R70 for Paxi .

You are not broken, and neither is your family. Tag a friend who needs this.

09/05/2026

07/05/2026

In studio we are joined by Dr Pali Lehohla, professor of practice at the University of Johannesburg and research associate at Oxford University. He is also a...