Jan Hurst-Nicholson

Bheki and the Magic Light Jan Hurst-Nicholson

Bheki is small for his age and is bullied by the bigger boys in his African village, but his magic light wins him friends and respect - until the light begins to fade. Bheki then embarks on a life-changing journey to bring power back to the magic light. Perfect for teaching children about science, other cultures, and self-worth. 'The big day has arrived and Bheki's house is flooded with electric light for the first time. He remembers the time, many years before, when his father gave him a light that really did seem to be magic. The torch brought him many friends and a new status in the kraal, until its beam began to fade. Bheki's journey to bring power back to the magic light tested him to the limit but ended in magic of a different kind. It gave him a belief in himself. At the end of the story, Bheki explains how batteries work and how electricity is generated and brought into homes across the world. If you watched Nelson Mandela's funeral service at Qunu you will recognise the similar rural setting in the story. (Nelson Mandela was also a herdboy) Bheki and the Magic Light was first published by Penguin Books SA.