My Book Review for Grandad Mandela by Zazi, Ziwelene & Zindzi Mandela

Grandad Mandela

Written by Zazi, Ziwelene & Zindzi Mandela

Illustrated by Sean Qualls

ISBN:978-1-78603-136-5

Published by Lincoln Children’s Books

Publishers website https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781786031365/Grandad-Mandela.html?direct=1

Sean Qualls website https://www.seanqualls.com

Nelson RolihlahlaMandela respectfully known as Mandiba is a personal hero of mine. He is the only politician in human history that I wish I had met in person. This is why I have chosen to review this picture book about his story. I appreciate that what gave him his moral purpose was fully African in nature.

What’s it like when your Great Grandfather was one of the most famous and important people in recent history? You are forced to share your loved one your blood kin with the whole world. A world that is still inspired by the actions and stature of your relative. How do you go about telling your version of his story? The answer is simple you ask your grandmother.

This book has a structured around the answers of the grandmother to the 15 questions set by the great grandchildren. Through these we see how Grandad Mandela lived through childhood, occupation, love, incarceration and final victory. The text in this book is Dodo, it is easy to read and gives the impression of being written by young child. The questions are in a larger point size than the answers. This is clever use of scale because the young reader get to play the game of asking the questions while the adult reader responds by reading the answers. 

This picture book is in the tradition of the improvement narrative. What you learn makes you a better person. Young children will be able to relate to Zazi who is eight and Ziwelene who is six and put themselves into their shoes. This is an important part of the transfer of knowledge, relatability. 

Sean Qualls illustrations are loose, dynamic and direct. Scenes of violence and state oppression. The simple direct figures are somehow more disturbing when they are subjected to aggression and pain. Textures (cracked paint and weathered edges) and immediate painting simplified figures and a controlled colour palatte. His environments are open and descriptive details are there only to express a direct idea. His faces are imbued with emotional resonances despite the simple use of line. 

Now 100 years after birth the legacy of Nelson Mandela can be seen with greater clarity. His example is one to be followed if you believe that humans should live in harmony. He joins the pantheon of Africans that inspired through their stance on civil rights and their uncompromising position. This book is a good start if you wish to understand his long walk to freedom.