This collection of new essays analyzes the work of 29 authors and illustrators. South African children’s and youth literature, highly regarded internationally has a long history. South Africa is the most prolific publisher of children’s books on the continent, producing arguably the highest quality literature in Africa. Its traditions, while unique, resonate within the larger world of children’s literature and are solidly grounded in African myth and archetypes. The African diaspora in the U.S. and elsewhere have stories rooted in these oral traditions.

Much has changed in South African literature for children since the 1994 election that transformed the country. A field once dominated by all white and mostly female writers and illustrators has diversified, adding many new voices in the last twenty years.