Mandela's great-grandchildren authored a book about him, and it's beautiful

Grandad Mandela
Written by Zazi, Ziwelene and Zindzi Mandela
Illustrated by Sean Qualls
Lincoln Childrens’ Books
40 pages
R170 at all good book stores or R199 at takealot.com

Amid the plethora of Nelson Mandela- related media that comes around every July in anticipation of the icon’s birthday on the 18th, one book stood out.

The beautifully illustrated Grandad Mandela sees two of Mandela’s great-grandchildren, Zazi and Ziwelene, ask their grandmother Zindzi, who is Mandela’s youngest daughter, 15 questions about their famous great-grandfather.

Accompanying the children’s questions, including “Did Grandad have to have his birthday in prison?” and “Where did Grandad grow up?”, are award-winning, Brooklyn-based illustrator and artist Sean Qualls’ lovely drawings. Qualls has illustrated children’s books for the likes of film maker Spike Lee and author Toni Morrison.

A definite keepsake, Grandad Mandela is a children’s book that every parent and grandparent should get for their little ones. It comes in four languages.

Pages from the book, illustrated by Sean Qualls