The Herd Boy

THE HERD BOY

M

alusi is a herd boy who tends to his grandfather’s sheep and goats among the mountains of the Transkei. High above, eagles fly while on the ground below, beetles crawl, termites scurry and dust flies as Malusi plays games of stick-fighting with his friend. But there’s danger too…

Can Malusi save his lambs from the hungry baboon who’s stalking the flock?

And who is the old man in the shiny car who stops to chat, and encourages the herd boy in his dream of being President?

Written and illustrated by Niki

Daly

This beautiful picture book is about a boy who dares to dream of a big future.

It is a story of empowerment, self-belief and leadership, and is inspired by the life of former president Nelson Mandela.

NIKI DALY

9 781431 401024

VALUES STRONGER THAN STEEL

JACANA

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For the Mdingi family From Niki Daly

First published by Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd in 2012 10 Orange Street Sunnyside Auckland Park 2092 South Africa +2711 628 3200 www.jacana.co.za Š Niki Daly, 2012 All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-4314-0102-4 Set in 15 on 21pt Cantoria MT Title lettering and text layout by Sally Swart Printed by Craft Print, Singapore Job no. 001700 See a complete list of Jacana titles at www.jacana.co.za

Generously supported by Tata Steel The author wishes to thank Basil Mills of the National English Literary Museum for his guidance on cultural details.

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Written and illustrated by Niki

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“Vuka! Wake up, Malusi!” Mama calls.

Inside, the hut is still dark.

Outside, the air is cool and the sun is rising – first a red rim along the surrounding hills, then turning to gold as it rises and starts warming the village.

Mielie pap is steaming in the pot.

“Eat up!” says Mama. “A boy cannot work on an empty stomach.”

Malusi looks after his grandfather’s sheep and goats.

It’s a big job for a small boy.

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“Pweew! Pweew!” Malusi’s shrill whistling drives the sheep out of Grandfather’s kraal.

By the time they reach the grazing slopes, the earth is hot beneath his bare feet.

Malusi shields his eyes against the sun’s glare and looks up. There, high in the sky, flying in wide circles, he spots a Black Eagle.

He places his feet carefully as he moves through the bush where puff adders doze, coiled up and unseen.

He keeps the sheep and goats from straying towards the deep donga, which is easy to fall into, but hard to climb out of.

You have to be awake, and you have to be brave to be a herd boy.

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THE HERD BOY

M

alusi is a herd boy who tends to his grandfather’s sheep and goats among the mountains of the Transkei. High above, eagles fly while on the ground below, beetles crawl, termites scurry and dust flies as Malusi plays games of stick-fighting with his friend. But there’s danger too…

Can Malusi save his lambs from the hungry baboon who’s stalking the flock?

And who is the old man in the shiny car who stops to chat, and encourages the herd boy in his dream of being President?

Written and illustrated by Niki

Daly

This beautiful picture book is about a boy who dares to dream of a big future.

It is a story of empowerment, self-belief and leadership, and is inspired by the life of former president Nelson Mandela.

NIKI DALY

9 781431 401024

VALUES STRONGER THAN STEEL

JACANA

The herd boy cover Jacket .indd 1

2012/08/22 10:32 AM