Books with author Niki Daly

Readers first met the elephant Mama Jumbo in Niki Daly's Welcome to Zanzibar Road. Here she is sporting her flippy-floppy, flappy-slippy, this-way-that-way pompom hat in five easy-to-read adventures including a bubble gum rescue and a brand-new tutti-frutti shirt for Mama Jumbo's adopted child, Little Chico the chicken. Full-color ink-and-watercolor illustrations bubble over with tiny details of the vivacious African village and Mama Jumbo's comfortable home under the pawpaw tree. A charming picture book/chapter book hybrid that's terrific for reading aloud.

What Jamela wants for her birthday is a pair of beautiful princess shoes. What she gets instead is clunky, practical school shoes. Jamela is definitely disappointed, but with glitter, beads, and glue - and a burst of inspiration - she transforms her present into a funky, fun work of art. Mama thinks Jamela's handiwork is a waste of hard-earned money . . . until a local artist helps Jamela tap the full potential of her spirited creativity. Vibrant illustrations animate a sunny and satisfying story set in South Africa about embracing the imagination and also about feelings and situations that often arise at birthdays and other gift-giving occasions.

On a hot day in Africa, the neighborhood of Zanzibar Road is bustling! There’s always someone ready to share a funny story, lend a helping hand, or celebrate a big day. As soon as Mama Jumbo walks down this special street, she knows she’s found the perfect place to settle down. And with her kind heart and big imagination, she’s sure to fit right in with her neighbors. There’s Baba Jive, who likes to play his sax; Bro Vusi and his bookmobile; Louie-Louie, who sells sweets in his shop; mischievous Juju; friendly Kwela and Buti; and lovable Little Chico. You’ll get to meet all of these delightful characters in five short, funny, and sweet stories, just right for reading alone or sharing with a neighbor of your own.

Angelo longs to be a clown as famous as his grandfather, Zan Polo, once was. He wants to perform on the streets of Venice, making the people cry with laughter. Zan Polo thinks that Angelo is too young, and will only let him dress up as a rooster and cock-a-doodle-doo behind the stage. Angelo, however, has greater plans in mind! Niki Daly's exuberant tale is based around the commedia dell'arte tradition - the popular Italian street comedy using stock characters. The lively story and vivid illustrations recreate the spirit of 18th-century Venice during the Carnival.

When Mama tells Jamela about her new job and a new place for them to live, Mama is excited but Jamela isn't. She likes so many things about the house they live in now -- the squeaky front gate she swings on, the view from her window, the neighborhood sounds and smells. But on moving day Jamela is ready to help -- although none of the grownups are prepared for the silly mixup caused by her "helping."The ensuing fun helps smooth the transition from old to new in this colorful township tale about a little girl's moving-away woes that will comfort and encourage anyone who has had to learn to sleep in a new room.

When Sarie's teacher says, "Children, take out your reading books," a sick feeling grips Sarie. The words trip up her tongue and she stutters and stammers, making the children in the back row giggle. But there are two people who sympathise: her schoolfriend Emile, and Ou Missus, the old lady living over the veld. One Sunday, Sarie comes across an old copy of Cinderella and begs Ou Missus to read it to her, Ou Missus says, "No - we will read it together." Sarie's confidence grows, until the day comes when the school principal says to Sarie, "You read beautifully!"

Malusi is a herd boy, which means that he must look after his grandfather’s sheep and goats and protect them from harm on the grazing slopes. This is a big job for a small boy and one Malusi does well. Still, he dreams of being more than a herd boy: he wants to be president!When Malusi mentions these hopes, his friend Lungisa laughs and laughs. But after an attack by a hungry baboon and an encounter with Nelson Mandela, Malusi wonders if his dream isn’t so impossible after all… In this poignant story set in South Africa, greatness often comes from humble beginnings. Niki Daly’s captivating prose and atmospheric illustrations help readers consider what builds the strength, courage, and integrity of a great leader.

Mama is very pleased with the dress material she has bought for Thelma's wedding. Jamela can't resist wrapping the material around her and dancing down the road, proud as a peacock, to show Thelma her beautiful dress! When things go wrong, Mama is very sad indeed, but there's a happy ending just in time for Thelma's wedding day - and guess who has the biggest smile...Kwela Jamela, African Queen, that's who!