How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?

by Refiloe Moahloli, Anja Stoeckigt (Illustrator)

Sara's first day of school is full of surprises, but the biggest one of all is that there is more than one way to say hello. So during the holidays she sets off on a journey around the country in a hot air balloon, to learn them all (in Tshivenda, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, siSwati, isiZulu, Xitsonga, isiNdebele, Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho). This delightful story of rhyming verse, accompanied by charming illustrations is a must for all young South African children.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 6, 2017

About the author

Refiloe Moahloli grew up in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. As aunt to many nieces and nephews who consider her to be ‘one of them’ due to her modest height, life with them inspires a number of stories floating in her head at any given time. Refiloe plays hockey, is a keen Instagrammer 'refiloemoahloli' and a full-time couch coach of South Africa’s cricket teams.

Reviews

[Thatso · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read that takes your little one on an adventure, as they learn about diversity. This is truly a firm favourite. The colorful illustrations and the rhythmical proses, take you on Sarah’s journey as she learns how to say Hello in South Africa’s official languages.

[Kimia Domire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I'm not a South African person, and have never lived in SA, so my review is subject to ignorance.

This cute little book is very wholesome.

It seems like a good children's book for little kids growing up in South Africa. It's both educational (learning local languages) and fun (lots of potential for group reading and participation), with a really lovely theme of encouraging harmonic interaction with local cultures.

The illustrations, layout and storyline are nice, but nothing groundbreaking.

Note the protagonist is an English speaking white girl, so parents of colour could probably find better books on this theme for their children, which center their experience more.

Overall a fun and pleasant read.

[Reagile Selepe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It had my son memorizing the dialogues!

[Cat Lennox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just such a fantastic book that both me and my little one enjoyed. A start to the journey of being part of a diverse community.

[Karri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous book to introduce children to other languages and cultures! I LOVE the illustrations, as well.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet children's book for South African kids.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book for all young children to learn how to say "hello" in all the African languages. The story is told in rhyme and the illustrations are captivating. A must buy book for all young children.