Inspiration for kids: Salamina Mosese brings out latest picture book in 5 local languages

702's Gugs Mhlungu chats to award-winning actress and children's book author, Salamina Mosese.

The talented Salamina Mosese is not only an award-winning actress, but also an award-winning writer of children's books.

With her latest picture book, Neo's Invisible Blanket, she takes young readers on a new journey; one that highlights culture, language, and imagination. 

Importantly, it is also available in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi and Afrikaans.

The first question Gugs Mhlungu asks this creative who is also a presenter and producer, is how she finds the time to fit in writing!

When something becomes fun, you make the time, is Mosese's gracious reply.

"I didn't initially intend to get into the children's book space but once I did, it was like 'this is so much fun!'. I find it a far more peaceful space for me than the filmmaking space... and I like that it forces me to tap into that young Salamina, the dreamer in me."

Salamina Mosese, Author - Neo's Invisible Blanket

The children's book space also allows her to delve into memories, Mosese says.

She describes Neo's Invisible Blanket as an ode to siblings, and sibling love.

The Neo of the title is her real-life nephew, but it is his sister who introduces the concept of an invisible blanket.

This is Thandi's clever way of helping to make her little brother feel safe, and it works.

"I was like that to my own brother - growing up I was that sister who would say 'You can do it!' and 'You're going to win your race!'... I think this space just allows me to play a little bit and I'm enjoying it."

Salamina Mosese, Author - Neo's Invisible Blanket

The magic of books like these for the little ones lies in the combination of story and illustration, comments Mosese.

In this case, she was thrilled to get Subi Bosa on board.

"I've been a big fan of Subi's work... but he also has to fall in love with the words first and then build the world for me with picture. I remember thinking, how do you even illustrate an invisible blanket, and then I saw his first drawing and I jumped up and down. My husband was also so excited he even wrote a song... and we will be dropping the song soon."

Salamina Mosese, Author - Neo's Invisible Blanket

The book is already available on some digital platforms, and will hit the book stores on 1 October.

To hear more details, listen to the interview audio at the top of the article