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The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
World Book Day: Best new book releases to add to your reading list
There's a new book waiting for you! This World Book Day, with the theme 'Read Your Way,' readers are invited not only to pick up a new book but also to open their minds in the process. As highlighted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this theme encourages individuals, especially children, to embrace the joy of reading by choosing books that resonate with them. Whether you're curious about how the brain works, looking for business inspiration, or seeking a recipe that brings comfort, there's a new book waiting for you. These fresh reads have something for everyone. ALSO READ: Jo Watson's the Queen of steam books Best new book releases to add to your reading list The Ideological Brain by Dr Leor Zmigrod This book delves into the neuroscience of belief systems and radicalisation. Dr Leor Zmigrod, a Cambridge-trained academic dubbed a trailblazer in 'political neuroscience', uses her research to explore how ideologies shape not just opinions, but our very brain structures. Based on over 30 peer-reviewed studies, Dr Zmigrod shows how rigid thinking contributes to extreme ideologies. She encourages readers to avoid fixed beliefs and be open-minded in today's divided world. This book urges readers to think carefully about how beliefs are formed and how they can be changed. Entrepreneurship is Not for Everyone! Is It for You? by Lerato Bodibe Serial entrepreneur and tech innovator, Lerato Bodibe, will release his first book, Entrepreneurship is Not for Everyone!, this May. The book offers a candid look at what it really takes to build a business in today's world. Drawing from his own experiences, from growing up in QwaQwa to starting ROCVEST and the fintech platform ScheduPay, Bodibe shares valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey. The book also reflects his passion for helping South African youth. His foundation recently supported a young golfer from Welkom, covering school fees and providing equipment, showing his belief that with the right help, anything is possible. Food Trail South Africa by Warren Mendes In Food Trail South Africa, chef Warren Mendes takes readers on a tasty journey across the country. The cookbook, based on his travel series, features a mix of traditional recipes and new twists, gathered from markets, kitchens, and communities. With training from Le Cordon Bleu and experience co-producing the Australian TV series, Mendes encourages home cooks to explore South African food and proudly recreate these dishes at home. I Am Lovely and Dark by Ntombi Meso On World Book Day, 23 April 2025, multi-award-winning broadcaster and DJ Ntombi Meso makes her debut as an author with I Am Lovely and Dark, a children's book about self-love and identity. The story follows Kayise, a young girl learning to embrace her dark skin. Through Kayise's journey, Meso shares an empowering message about self-worth in a world where diverse representation in children's books is still limited. NOW READ: 'It's time I shared my full capabilities': Dineo Ranaka to launch a new talk show
News24
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘I Am Lovely and Dark': Ntombi Meso's uplifting debut for young readers
Ntombi Meso releases her children's book "I Am Lovely and Dark" on World Book Day. The book is inspired by her own childhood memories of being a dark-skinned little girl. The book comes with affirmation cards for children and an audiobook voiced by Ntombi. When Ntombi Meso thinks back to her childhood, one memory stands out – cruising around with her dad, vibing to Salif Keita's music and munching on amaqhina. Even with her loving father who reminded her of her worth in many ways, something still weighed heavily on young Ntombi's heart. 'I struggled to fit into traditional beauty standards,' she shares, recalling the sting of being called umnyamane, a word that left deep emotional scars. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ntombi Meso | The Voice (@ntombi_meso) As a dark-skinned girl growing up, the constant portrayal of lighter skin as the standard of beauty in the media made her feel invisible and unworthy. 'Despite my parent's love at home, the outside world often sent a different message,' she notes. The multi-talented broadcaster who has a wealth of experience in the broadcasting industry is now flipping the script with her new children's book, 'I Am Lovely and Dark.' The book follows the story of Kayise, a young girl learning to embrace and celebrate her dark skin. Through a reflection of her own experiences, Ntombi hopes to empower other little black girls who have ever felt the way she did. A love letter to the melanin 'Representation in children's literature is crucial as it helps young readers see themselves and their experiences reflected, and this often creates a sense of belonging, self-worth, and empathy,' she shares. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ntombi Meso | The Voice (@ntombi_meso) Contributing to the conversation of beauty in children, the book comes with positive affirmation cards and an audiobook voiced by Ntombi that children can listen to as many times. When reflecting on how these additional resources can benefit children, she noted: 'Parents and caregivers can use the affirmation cards to promote positive self-talk in front of the mirror, create daily rituals and spark meaningful conversations.' With the illustrations in the book being inspired by Lunga Jonas's deep understanding of Kayise's story, Ntombi collaborated closely with her, and her immediate grasp of the narrative helped shape the artwork. The cover art, which has been revealed today, underwent three revisions to perfect the result. A love letter to self The broadcaster, who is already working on her next book, shares her excitement: 'It will convey themes of embracing versatility, celebrating diverse talents, and encouraging kids to explore different passions without fear of limitation. The message will be that it's okay to be multi-talented and that each talent can complement the others.' If she had to sit with a younger version of herself for coffee, she'd definitely tell her keep pushing forward, even when it feels hard. 'Your voice matters, your dreams are worth chasing, and you're stronger than you realise." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ntombi Meso | The Voice (@ntombi_meso)
