Books with author Niki Daly

A struggling young reader triumphsThere is something worrying Sarie at school. Every time her teacher says, “Children, take out your reading books,” Sarie feels sick. The letters in the book all run together, tripping her up so that she stumbles and falters, and the girls in the back always make fun of her. Only Sarie’s old friend, Auntie Anna, seems to understand that letters and words can be difficult things to grasp. And it is Auntie Anna, with the help of a book from her own daughter’s childhood, who makes a unique Sunday ritual out of giving Sarie the help she needs, until the letters that were once her adversaries begin to seem friendly – just in time for Sarie to prove herself to the laughing girls at school. Niki Daly’s illustrations set Sarie’s tale under the vast and beautiful skies of the South African Karoo, and his encouraging story conveys the power and magic of a good book and the joy of having a good friend to share it with.

"Set in Africa, this creative re-telling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale has a great balance of text and illustrations for kids beginning to read on their own. Reading this book together encourages lively conversation." - Seira Wilson, Amazon EditorWhen Granny asks Pretty Salma to go to the market one day, she warns her not to talk to strangers. But cunning Mr. Dog tricks Salma, and before she knows it, he’s wearing her stripy ntama, her pretty white beads, and her yellow sandals. And he’s on his way to Granny’s house! African culture and flavor infuse this inventive retelling of a favorite fairy tale, and the vibrant lively illustrations bring it to life. The result is a story that combines new and old and spans cultures as successfully as it has spanned the centuries.

A Commedia dell'Arte Tale set in the sun-drenched streets of Renaissance Venice. Angelo longs to be a clown as famous as his grandfather Zan Polo. But times have changed and Venetians no longer flock to see Zan Polo's commedia dell'arte troupe perform in the Piazza San Marco. On Carnival Day, Zan Polo reluctantly gives his grandson a small part, and Angelo rushes off, bursting with ideas, to visit the mask and costume makers and Aunt Rosa-bella's farmyard. Things don't go quite as planned for Angelo -- but that afternoon he redeems himself and revives his family's fortunes in a most surprising way. Celebrate the first triumph of a very young actor in Niki Daly's winning, lushly illustrated new picture book.

Ruby's voice is SO loud, it's driving everyone crazy! Then Ruby's jazz-playing neighbors come up with a plan to help her control her volume. Ruby finally learns to sing to her heart's content...without everyone needing earplugs! (Well, most of the time.) The perfect book-fun, celebratory, and maybe even a little helpful-for any family with its own irrepressible Ruby.

"Who could resist playful, imaginative Jamela?" -- School Library JournalWhen Mrs. Zibi arrives to prepare the Christmas meal, Jamela decides to save Christmas, her chicken, from going into the cooking pot. She sets off with the chicken in her arms . . . and a trail of chaos follows. Suddenly it's Jamela, not the chicken, who is in hot water. But, as Jamela proclaims on Christmas's behalf, "You can't eat friends!"This boisterous Yuletide story for all seasons features the same colorful South African township characters who made Jamela's Dress, an ALA Notable Book, such a delight.

Mama plans a chicken dinner for Christmas Day, and she gives Jamela the job of fattening up their chicken. But seeing how happy Jamela is with her hen, she wonders just how she'll get it away from Jamela and into the pot. Smelling trouble, Jamela sets off the day before Christmas with the chicken in her arms and a trail of chaos follows - in the street, in the taxi, and even in Miss Style's hairdressing salon. However, as everyone agrees, you can't eat friends, and Christmas Day brings Jamela a delicious meal and the best present of all! Following the success of Jamela's Dress, this new Jamela book features the same delightful characters set in a South African township.

"Pweew! Pweew!" Malusi's shrill whistling drives the sheep out of grandfather's kraal. By the time they reach the grazing slopes, the earth is hot beneath his bare feet. He keeps the sheep and goats from straying towards the deep donga, which is easy to fall into but hard to climb out of. You have to be awake, and you have to be brave, to be a herd boy. Malusi is a herd boy. It is a big job for a small boy, yet he does it well, no matter the danger. But he also dreams of being more than a herd boy someday: Malusi wants to be president. This simple but poignant story explores the idea that many great leaders have come from humble beginnings. Perhaps what gives someone the strength and integrity to lead well isn't so different from what it takes to be a good herd boy.