Ausi told me: the secrets of nature (forthcoming title, due April)

Ausi told me that long before our footsteps touched this land, the first people knew how to listen to the secrets of nature. Ausi told me she comes from those people – her voice soft as the wind in the fynbos, her spirit strong as the mountains. In this beautifully illustrated children’s picture book, we embark on a magical journey with Ausi, an ancient matriarch and ancestor, who shares the timeless secrets of nature with a group of little children. Wise Ausi guides the children and teaches them the connections between earth, water, fire, wind and the celestial bodies. They discover how these elements are not only vital for survival but also for nurturing a deep respect for the land. From understanding the sacredness of Mother Earth to learning how to read animal tracks and dance for rain, we learn the wisdom of living in harmony with nature. With Ausi’s guidance, the child narrator becomes a ‘magical scientist’, learning to listen to the earth’s whispers and honour her gifts. Ausi’s teachings are a celebration of life, love and the importance of preserving the world around us. Ausi Told Me invites young readers to step into a world of wonder, where nature’s secrets are passed down through generations and every element is a treasure.