Faizel and the Stars (English)

A gentle story about a little AfriKaaps boy who is different; Originally written in Afrikaaps, a vernacular sub-variety of Afrikaans, and then into Afrikaans and English – the story promotes multilingual diversity and empowerment through language; Children who don’t fit traditional stereotypes can find themselves in this story. For other children, books are a window into the diverse lives and experiences of the world around them, and they can help explain family dynamics outside of their own; Teaches children acceptance and tolerance and to be loving; Start of a series of books about Faizel.

All Faizel ever wanted was to “shine” like the stars he so dearly adores. The day before his fifth birthday is an ordinary day: he and his sister play with her dolls and he helps his mother with the laundry.All Faizel ever wanted was to “shine” like the stars he so dearly adores. The day before his fifth birthday is an ordinary day: he and his sister play with her dolls and he helps his mother with the laundry. But his dad always has something to say about Faizel being “like that”. What exactly does his dad mean when he uses the words, “like that”? What is in the wrapped gift that they surprise him with on the morning of his birthday, and what lies ahead for Faizel’s future? Will he get to live his dream and shine like a star? A gentle story about a little AfriKaaps boy who is different that teaches children about acceptance and tolerance, and to be loving.