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readilearn: Books on Wednesday — Charlie’s Adventures…in South Africa by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
This week I have great pleasure in introducing Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern author of Charlie’s Adventures…in South Africa. This post is but one of several celebrating Jacqueline’s beautiful picture book in Romi Sharp’s Books on Tour. Please read to the end of the post for details of other posts celebrating Jacqueline’s work.
About Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern is a Canberra based author and the recipient of the ACT Writers Centre 2017 Anne Edgeworth Fellowship. Her debut picture book, Charlie’s Adventures…in Hawaii, was shortlisted for the 2017 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards and chosen as a finalist in the 2017 American Best Book Awards. Her second book in the Charlie’s Adventure series, Charlie’s Adventures…in South Africa, was recently released. At the heart of Jacqueline’s books are an appreciation of travel and the uniqueness of culture. She endeavours to encourage her readers to learn more about the world, supporting an empathetic and inclusive community.
About Charlie’s Adventures…in South Africa
Charlie is off on the second of his adventures with his family … to South Africa! With his friends, Charlie is set on a discovery of different clues to uncover South Africa’s Rainbow Nation. Join Charlie and his family on their adventures across the world.
The interview
Welcome to readilearn, Jacqueline.
Thanks for inviting me.
Jacqueline, what gave you the idea for this book?
I have a love affair with travel. The Charlie’s Adventures…series of picture books are based on my travel adventures.
South Africa is a country that is dear to me. My husband grew up there. His family still lives in South Africa and we have a lot of friends there too.
I wanted to showcase South Africa’s vibrant culture in this book.
What is the most important thing you want readers to take away from it?
I want readers to unearth the beauty of South Africa, as a rainbow nation. I want them to understand the values and traditions found in South Africa.
I also would like them to see the similarities we share, no matter where we live in the world.
What things would you like parents and teachers to help children notice about your book?
In each of the Charlie’s Adventures…. books, Charlie goes on a treasure hunt. Each clue he finds holds a special message about the place he is exploring. I would like parents and teachers to help children notice the meaning behind these clues and what all the clues finally reveal.
Charlie’s Adventures…in South Africa describes South Africa as a rainbow nation, it considers themes of multiculturalism. The book includes reference to the great South African leader Nelson Mandela and delves inside the South African way of life. I think these themes are important aspects that could be further discussed with children and offer an opportunity for parents and teachers to help children notice them.
What suggestions do you have for children as writers?
To read widely and write what excites you.
Thank you, Jacqueline. I enjoyed meeting you and finding out a little more about your lovely picture book Charlie’s Adventures…in South Africa. The multicultural theme and its wish for children to see our similarities wherever we live in the world is an important one. It is great to have a picture book that expresses it so well. The book would be a wonderful addition to any home, school, classroom or public library. We wish you success and look forward to the next books in the series.
Find out more about Jacqueline from her website: de Rose-Ahern Stories
and connect with her on social media
Facebook: De Rose-Ahern Stories
Instagram: deroseahernstories
Charlie’s Adventures…in South Africa can be purchased
from all good bookshops
and from Jacqueline’s website.
To find out more about Jacqueline and her book, check out these other posts in Books on Tour.
Monday Sep 24 – Friday Sep 28 www.justkidslit.com/blog
Monday Sep 24 http://sharingyourstory.com.au/
Tuesday Sep 25 https://educateempower.blog/
Thursday Sep 27 https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Friday Sep 28 http://missielovesbooks.com/
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I appreciate your feedback and comments. Please share your thoughts below.
Love the idea of a South Africa as a “rainbow nation.” What a fun adventure for kids. The illustrations really sparkle. Enjoyed the interview.
I’m pleased you enjoyed the interview, Patricia. It is a lovely book, and that phrase ‘rainbow nation’ is packed with meaning.
I like that phrase, “rainbow nation.” What an interesting author to give a traveling perspective to kids.
“Rainbow nation” tells a lot in just a few (two) words, doesn’t it? Even in itself, it’s a wonderful concept.
I thought this such an engaging way to pique the curiosity of a child about the world we live in. Her books sound delightful!
Jacqueline’s book is delightful, Susan, and I thought you might especially enjoy since it is set in South Africa.
Love the premise of the book. Nice to learn about Jacqueline and her book. I love how their are little learning messges within the book. Learning made fun 🙂
Thanks for reading and commenting, Debby. I was thinking about you as I read another post by Jacqueline this morning. In that post, she talked about the importance of travel to her life. I thought that she and you would have a lot in common.
Aw thanks for thinking of me. I don’t doubt it. Travel certainly opens up our eyes and imaginations! 🙂 x
🙂