Long Walk to Freedom: Illustrated Children's edition - Softcover

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is a true hero of our times, loved and admired across the globe. This children's 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 under the apartheid regime and his eventual freedom, ending with his extraordinary elevation to President of South Africa in 1994. The book is full of facts and information, which children aged 7 to 12 will find interesting. Abridged by acclaimed author Chris van Wyk and illustrated by Paddy Bouma, the children's version of Long Walk to Freedom will inspire and fascinate, is great for the primary school classroom and will help children understand apartheid. Created with the kind support and assistance of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. 'With a large, clear map, time line, and glossary, the astonishing story will grab kids, and the parallels with the U.S. civil rights movement won't be lost on the audience.' Starred, Booklist 'The writing is clear, providing chronological detail for even young students new to the concept and history of apartheid. Full-page, colour paintings accompany the text on every spread and depict crucial moments from the narrative in a way that both complements and enhances the story.' School Library Journal

Chris van Wyk was born in Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto in 1957. He was educated at Riverlea High School in Riverlea, Johannesburg where he still lives and works as a full-time writer. He writes poetry, books for children and teenagers, short stories and novels. Nelson Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on 18 July 1918. He joined the African National Congress in 1944 and was engaged in resistance against the ruling National Party's apartheid policies for many years before being arrested in August 1962. Mandela was incarcerated for over twenty-seven years, during which his reputation as a potent symbol of resistance to the antiapartheid movement grew steadily. Released from prison in 1990, Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was inaugurated as the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994. He is the author of the international bestseller Long Walk to Freedom. He passed away on 5 December 2013, aged ninety-five.