Children’s book explores indigenous culture

A District Six woman, Deidre Jantjies, has written a children’s book, Stories in die Wind (Stories in the Wind).

Ms Jantjies, 31, has previously produced, directed, written and narrated an animated web series of the same name, which was released last year. (“Animated web series explores indigenous culture,” June 24, 2021)

Her book is an adaptation of the animated series she worked and it comprises 10 Khoena folktales.

“These ten stories are those which the people of the Richtersveld, Namaqualand and the Kalahari would tell,” she says.

Ms Jantjies, who is originally from Oudtshoorn, has Khoisan heritage through her great grandmother, Emma Pretorius.

She says one of the reasons she wrote the book was because she wanted to see more positive representation of her heritage.

“The book speaks a lot about the wind, the moon, the land, animals, and these things in many cultures also have a connection too,” she says.

She hopes the book will connect adults and children, and says, “Storytelling is such a great way to find connection to your imagination and also it's a way to teach our youth.”

She hopes readers will find their own message in the book. “Whether it's positive or negative, I want them to be part of the journey in reading this book. I want them to laugh, cry, feel joy and understand the importance of seeing ourselves represented.”

She worked on the book for eight months with illustrator Davin Andrews.

Stories in die Wind will be available at all major book stores in the middle of November for R180.