My Unicorn Speaks Zulu

In My Unicorn Speaks Zulu, children get a chance to see things from a new perspective, in a place they may never go, and experience a culture they may never experience.

My Unicorn Speaks Zulu

When a Unicorn, who can speak Zulu, meets a young Zulu girl in a forest, a beautiful friendship is born. It is in this special friendship between the Unicorn and little girl, that shows children that friends can come in all shapes and sizes (and from anywhere in the world).

Gifting books

I have always considered books as the perfect gift to give children. For Hannah’s sixth birthday I wrapped 6 books for her, not knowing they would be the last ones I would give her. So now, books are being gifted in her name so that other children can enjoy the love of books I hope she has forever. I chose this book for her love of unicorns.

About the book

Through the voice of an inquisitive and intelligent young girl, readers will be able to realise that all of us, everywhere, want to be loved, and we yearn for a friend, no matter how different they may be. In between the theme of friendship, Makhosazana De Wette Dludla in her story and Dedré Fouquet in her remarkable illustrations have afforded children across the globe an unforgettable story, which includes adventure, excitement and novelty.

My verdict

I loved that the book used some really long words and complex sentences. This is great for language and comprehension development. And, for children who like to be interactive with their reading, there is a page of unicorns to colour in. Included in the book is a glossary of terms. From that I learned that Sawubona is the word for hello but actually means “I see you”.

About the author

Makhosazana De Wette Dludla was raised in a small village in Kwamagwaza KwaZulu Natal. It was a time that she recalls as being the safest and most beautiful of her life. Her children’s stories celebrate diversity and heritage, in the everyday lives of rural KwaZulu Natal. These stories teach children about different cultures and worlds beyond their own. Max (as she is affectionately called), seeks to uphold fading traditional Zulu values. Another of her core values is to be outrageously optimistic and constantly resilient.

Publishing information

Penguin Random House South Africa sent me this novel to review.

See the links below for blog posts I published on November 16:

• 2023: Ginger Chocolate Mousse
• 2020: Corn Fritters
• 2018: Crustless Milk Tart
• 2016: Simply Delicious
• 2015: Courgette Pakoras
• 2014: One Step Too Far
• 2011: Elder
• 2010: Pea Pasta

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