Books and Bricks

Sindiwe Magona grew up near Cape Town, South Africa. She earned a BA from the University of South Africa and a Master’s Degree from Columbia University. For more than 20 years she worked in various capacities for the United Nations. A prolific author of novels, poetry, and children’s books, Magona’s writing reflects her experiences with poverty, single-parenthood, teaching, and social activism. She has won South Africa’s highest literary awards as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to South African literature.

Cornelius Van Wright is an award-winning illustrator. He works with his wife, Ying-hwa Hu (also an illustrator), on many assignments. Their work has been exhibited at the Bologna Book Fair and The Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. He lives in New York City with his wife and their two children.