Author Kariema Davids says she wrote her latest children’s book, Haniyah Discovers Diversity, to help children learn more about different cultures and traditions.
The book was launched at the Islamic Library, at Masjidul Quds, in Gatesville, on Saturday. It is the latest in a series that Ms Davids has written about her granddaughter, Haniya, 4. Other titles are Haniyah Goes to School, and Haniyah and the Pink Rabbit.
In the book, a teacher organises a cultural day at which people wear traditional clothes and bring food associated with different cultures.
“I discovered my love for reading about 30 years ago, and in 2020, when Haniyah came along, I decided to write a series of books with her as the main character. I hope to write my next series using my grandson as the main character next year. At the end of the day, we are all the same, we only look different. Diversity includes the blind, disabled, and deaf, and so many of our children are not aware of that,” Ms Davids said.
The book had taken her two months to write and illustrate, and she wanted it to open the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life, she said.
“Haniyah is my greatest inspiration. People ask, ‘Why writing?’, but writing is a skill that you discover and better… I am pushing myself to explore different genres. This is a legacy I am leaving behind. My goal is to get it into schools because kids need to read.”
Ward 63 councillor Carmen Siebritz, said: “Perhaps a new book could focus on special-needs children as I have a special-needs son and they are often excluded and overlooked. Special needs is a missing word in our children’s language and that is our fault as parents because we don’t practise diversity. My message to Karima is don’t stop now. It is time that we understand that no one will give us a place at the table; we must take our place permanently. Women are doing it. We don’t wait for men to do it for us.”
Bonteheuwel resident and friend of the author, Joanne Bieding, described the book as an “easy read” and “child friendly”.
Haniyah Discovers Diversity sells for R150 and is available on ktdbooks.co.za, or call Karima Davids at 063 864 1701.