Long Walk to Freedom: Illustrated Children's edition - Couverture rigide

Nelson Mandela is a true hero of our times, loved and admired across the globe for his dedication to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and for justice and peace throughout the world. This book tells the story of his life, from his carefree days as an ordinary village boy, to his unflinching leadership of the ANC, the long years in prison and his eventual freedom and extraordinary elevation to President of South Africa. Abridged by acclaimed author Chris van Wyk and beautifully illustrated by Paddy Bouma, this is an important book bringing an inspirational man to life for a younger generation.

The picture book adaptation of this book was published by Macmillan on 4th September. It was published in the English language and all 12 South African languages.

On the 10th of September 2009 at a launch to mark its publication Nelson Mandela s grandson said the following on behalf of Nelson Mandela.

'Our granddad believes that education and reading are two of the most important things for children. He has asked me to read you this message: Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. The system of apartheid robbed many children of their right to a decent education and of the joy of reading. This joy is one that I have treasured all my life, and it is one I wish for all South Africans.

We are happy that all children are now able to read in the language of their choice, the story of the long road we travelled for freedom in South Africa. The children of South Africa need to know this history. Everyone should try to read for at least an hour every day. Parents can read to their children and older children can read for themselves'

Chris van Wyk was born in Soweto in 1957. He now lives in Northcliff, Johannesburg, and is a writer of poetry, books for children and teenagers, short stories and novels. He has won prestigious literary prizes for his work and his poetry has been published around the world. His 2004 childhood memoir SHIRLEY, GOODNESS AND MERCY became a bestseller and was turned into a successful play. Paddy Bouma was born in Cape Town. She taught Lithography and Illustration at the University of Stellenbosch until 2006, and has exhibited her work on numerous occasions. She has written and illustrated a number of picture books that have been published internationally. Paddy lives with her husband on a small farm in the Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch.