THE AUTHOR

Unarine Phaswana, affectionately known as @una_thekidsbookreviewer, is a nine-year-old book reviewer and storyteller from South Africa. Since the age of six, Una has built a strong online following across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, where she shares thoughtful and engaging reviews of children's books. Her passion for reading has earned her recognition from publishers, authors, and media platforms including Metro FM, SA FM, DSTV Channel 300, and Kids News Room.

Now stepping into the world of authorship, Una brings her imagination to life in Una's Mzanzi Bush Adventures, a joyful exploration of South Africa's national parks. Guided by her sparkling wheel "Vhili," Una's stories invite children to learn about wildlife, conservation, and the beauty of the natural world.

Beyond her writing, Una is committed to promoting literacy and giving back to her community. In 2024, she led a book donation drive for Muswodi Primary School in Limpopo?her grandmother's former school?collecting over 500 books and establishing a dedicated Reading Corner for young readers.

Una's growing presence in the literary space continues to inspire children to dream, read, and explore. As she looks ahead, she hopes to return to the Kingsmead Book Fair?this time, as an author.

THE ILLUSTRATOR

Luyanda Cwane is a South African heavyweight illustrator whose vibrant, expressive artwork brings stories to life across multiple African languages. His illustrations feature prominently in the Ulwazi Lwethu African Languages Literacy Project, a collaboration between the Zenex Foundation, Room to Read, the Nelson Mandela Institute, and Molteno, supporting early-grade literacy in South Africa.His notable titles include "Maitela a Vhavenda", among others. In addition to his work with Ulwazi Lwethu, Luyanda Cwane has contributed illustrations to a wide range of well-known publishers such as Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Macmillan, Maskew Miller Longman, Via Afrika, and Marang Publishers, as well as organizations such as Speaking Books.