If you had told a younger version of me — a bookish, curious kid growing up in the south of Jozi — that I would one day write stories for children and teens across languages, genres and magical worlds, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. And yet, here we are.
It all began with a love letter to Jozi’s unique character: The Legend of Mamlambo. This spooky adventure, rooted in folklore, friendship and mystery, allowed me to explore my own childhood curiosities, especially those parts of the city that felt magical, strange and just a little haunted. Seeing young readers connect with it (and having it shortlisted for the Otto Foundation Children's Book Award) was an experience that surpassed anything I had imagined.
Then came Verlore in Duitsland, a personal story nestled within a short anthology, but one that felt incredibly close to my heart. Writing in Afrikaans, my second language, was a return to something familiar and tender. It was lovely to revisit the language and exploring storytelling with a different voice and rhythm was lovely.
Now, I find myself with The Princess and the Sangoma and The Blacksmith and the Dragonfly, co-written with Dean White, and I’ve stepped fully into the captivating world of the Kwasuka Sukela series. These tales are rich with African mythology and the theme of transformation, filled with characters who are learning to forge their own paths — something I feel I’m doing in my own way, too.
Here’s to many more stories and many more journeys yet to come.
— Charles
