Unsentimental and unselfpitying, this short but powerful novel by Chris Mlalazi vivifies an account by Rudo, a fourteen-year-old school girl who observes the terrifying events that take place in her village. Running with Mother provides us with a gripping story of how Rudo, her mother, her aunt and her little cousin survive the onslaught. Shocking as the story that unfolds may be, it is balanced by the resilience, self-respect, unselfishness and stoicism of the protagonists. Mlalazis novel is written with insight, humour and provides a salutory reminder that even in the worst of times, we can...

Long ago in the African bush, Vusa the giraffe loved to jump from branch to branch high in the trees with his friend Thabani the monkey. Then the weather changed, threatening all the trees. This is the story of how Bee helped the trees to survive, and Vusa and Thabani to remain friends.