A Namibian mother, Surika van der Merwe, has created a popular children’s book series, Junior and Bertus, which aims to provide stories that young Namibians can relate to. The series was inspired by her son Junior's reluctance to read. Despite their home being filled with children's books, Junior preferred to flip through the pictures rather than read the text. Van der Merwe's husband suggested writing a story featuring Junior as the main character, which sparked the idea for the series.
The first story, "Junior and Bertus's Adventure," was shared with Junior's grade 3 teacher, who read it aloud to the class. The other children were enthusiastic about the story, and Van der Merwe decided to enter it into the Namibian ATKV awards. The story won a Pluimpie award, confirming that the family bedtime stories had potential for a broader audience. The series' primary goal is to provide young Namibian children with stories they can identify with, set in their own environment.
The Junior and Bertus series features three books, which have already been published. The stories follow Junior and his loyal companion, Bertus the pug, as they explore Namibia. The books are designed to help young readers transition from having stories read to them to reading independently. The text is printed in a large font to support young readers. The series aims to encourage a love of reading and provide a fun experience for children and their parents.
Van der Merwe's achievement was emotional, and she was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. Junior was also thrilled to see himself and Bertus in a real book and eagerly shared the news with his classmates. The books are available at various bookstores in Namibia, including The Book Den, Uncle Spikes, and Future Manager Books in Windhoek, and Die Muschel Boekwinkel in Swakopmund. The first book is also available as an e-book on Amazon.
The Junior and Bertus series has been well-received, and Van der Merwe is working on a new book. Although she hasn't revealed too much about the upcoming story, young readers and the broader children's book community can expect the new book in early 2027. Van der Merwe hopes that her books will bring joy and a love of reading to children of all ages.
Surika van der Merwe's goal is for children to experience the joy of stories and reading. She believes that reading should be a fun and exciting experience, especially for young children. The Junior and Bertus series aims to provide a positive and engaging reading experience for young Namibian children.
The series' success can be attributed to its relatability and engaging storyline. The books feature Junior and Bertus in various Namibian settings, making it easier for young readers to identify with the characters and their experiences. The series has become a beloved part of Namibian children's literature, and its popularity is expected to continue with the release of new books.
Key points
- The Junior and Bertus series aims to provide young Namibian children with stories they can relate to, set in their own environment.
- The series was inspired by the author's son Junior's reluctance to read and his love for his pug, Bertus.
- The books are designed to help young readers transition from having stories read to them to reading independently.
