The Story Behind ‘Alex’s Magical Boots’ 

 

Timberland South Africa has long been a sponsor of the Kingsmead Book Fair which on Saturday, 25 May 2024 held its 12^th annual book fair. The book fair, this year also in association with Standard Bank – Wealth and Investment, Exclusive Books

and Media Partner Hot 102.7 offered members of the public the opportunity to take part in a truly extraordinary day full of in depth author-led discussions surrounded by great vibes and an exceptional offering of food and drink. All proceeds from the event go towards the Kingsmead Trust, which awards bursaries to Kingsmead College Senior School.

This year, as part of our contribution to the sponsorship, Timberland SA came up with the idea of developing a children’s book alongside Cape Town based author and illustrator Celeste L Nirenstein. The book itself is designed to guide young readers on a journey that follows Alex, a young squirrel who dreams of a life of adventure. One day, when Alex comes across something truly magical, her adventure begins and she takes on saving the forrest one wish at a time. 

These books, written and illustrated by Nirenstein in collaboration with Timberland South Africa are intended as a joyful gift to the many deserving children of South Africa offering the gift of imagination and magic. Of course, as Nirenstein mentions in her interview with Momberg, for many of the underprivileged children that will receive these donated books, it may very well be the very first book that they have ever owned. 

 

About the Author

 

Based in Cape Town, Nirenstein is no stranger to writing an illustrating for children. She is also well known for her children’s book ‘Cheesecake Eats The World’, described as a “ hilarious and heart-warming tale of a South African pigeon, Cheesecake, who becomes rather bored eating at the same pizza shop day-in and day-out in Cape Town and instead [he] decides to depart on a grand search for the world's most incredible gastronomic delights!”. The book has also recently been translated into Afrikaans. 

As for Celest herself, she is a Mom to two daughters. When asked by Ciske Momberg, Content Executive for Twinkl South Africa, what inspired her to write her first children’s book, Nirenstein was clear that her main inspiration is her two daughters. She explained that it was the fact that she could witness their imagination, creativity and curiosity that inspired her to write a book that would capture that very sense of wonder, creativity and magic that is unique to children. 

 

Unsurprisingly, she describes this unique experience of sharing her stories with her daughters as being truly magical. Of course, South Africa offers a huge cultural diversity and with that, comes a rich tapestry of folklore and traditions to draw inspiration from.  

 

About the Otto Foundation: Who Are Your Donations Going To?

 

The Otto Foundation, founded in 2016 by Chris Otto and his daughter, Zephne Ladbrook, is dedicated to addressing South Africa's literacy crisis. With a mission to improve early literacy, the foundation focuses on fostering a love of reading, providing access to books, and developing reading materials relevant to South African children. 

The foundation's strategic initiatives are a direct response to alarming statistics indicating that 80% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read with comprehension. Recognising the critical role of reading for enjoyment in improving literacy outcomes, the Otto Foundation creates school libraries as safe, engaging, child-centred spaces. These libraries are not just for reading; they serve as multi-purpose venues for school communities, hosting staff meetings, workshops, and various learning activities.

In an effort to support such an important initiative, Timberland made a donation of 160 books to the Otto foundation for the foundation phase students. Over above that, for every full-price purchase of Timberland Kids’ footwear between the 18^th and 24^th of July, we will contribute 10% of the proceeds to the Otto Foundation. 

 

Follow the Otto Foundation's journey and learn more about their impactful work by visiting their website or following them on social media @ottofoundation on Instagram and @ottofoundationSA on Facebook.

 

Forest Town School: HQ Team Participation 

 

On Thursday the morning of 18^th of July 2024, the Timberland HQ team worked together to pack 385 snack bags before heading to Forest Town School to hand them out to all pupils. And who went with the team to hand out the snacks but Alex the Squirrel who was arguably the core participant and one of the main reasons behind the visit. Several copies of ‘Alex’s Magical Boots’ were donated to the school . The HQ team took a tour of the school and thoroughly enjoyed the heartwarming interactions with the children.

The work done at the school is truly incredible with their mission being: To provide quality learning, teaching and therapy at our school; To inspire each learner to persevere and develop a person of self-worth and dignity; To instil in each learner a system of values in accordance with our constitution while providing support to our parents.

As a government school, everything is provided to the school on a sponsorship or assisted funding basis. What is clear is that no child will be left behind and learners are encouraged to be the best that they can be. 

Just across the road from the school itself sits Forest On Cowie. Forest On Cowie offers a unique opportunity for the public to support the school and its programme which aims to equip learners aged between 12 and 18 with real-world skills and working experience within a safe space. 

If you would like to learn more about the school please visit their website here. Forest On Cowie 

 

 

Author Readings at the Otto Foundation In Cape Town 

 

Forming the other part of the initiative, Celest Nirenstein, the talented author and illustrator behind ‘Alex’s Magical Boots’ took part in readings of the book at both the at the Liyabona Library and Protea Library in Cape Town supporting their mission to foster a love of reading and deepen the culture of reading within school communities.