Take your Place, You Belong
Karen Theunissen (text) & Miriam Mathosi (illustration)
Jacana Media
South Africa
Children’s book
This book will be released in October 2021.
Shay Heydenrych
shay@jacana.co.za
Book written in English, it will also be available in Afrikaans, isiXhosa and isiZulu
World rights available
Take your Place, You Belong is a rhyming picture book that tells the story of two best friends who navigate discrimination on the playground because they look different from one another.
This book explores the themes of empathy, heroism, friendship and identity. It helps children, parents and teachers alike, to discuss the often all too difficult issues around race, diversity and the hurt caused by discrimination.
Karen Theunissen’s first book I have Brown Skin and Curly Hair was listed as one of Brittle Paper’s 50 notable books of 2020 and as one of the ‘70 books to read before you grow up’ by Exclusive Books in 2021.
Karen Theunissen grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She studied law at the University of the Witwatersrand where she obtained her BA Law, LLB and LLM degrees. She practices her writing by blogging on a regular basis under the style of Mumziboo. Karen writes to ignite the imagination, creativity and curiosity of young children. Her writing is inspired by her four young daughters and their quest to discover the world around them. Karen lives in Johannesburg with her husband and daughters. This is her second book.
Miriam Mathosi was born in New York, USA, but grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She moved to NY after her schooling to further her art training and education at the Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration. With a varied background in traditional drawing and painting as well as in digital media, Miriam works extensively in oils, ink, charcoal, colour pencil, pastels, and the Adobe creative suite. Much of her work portrays her deep interest in, and inspiration from the many different cultures, people, and the arts & crafts within South Africa and Africa as a whole.
Miriam currently lives in Johannesburg, SA with her husband and daughters, working as a freelance artist and illustrator.
