Sometimes it seems there aren’t enough good books on science out there for South African kids. Luckily, that’s no longer the case, thanks to four amazing women who appeared at Cape Town’s MTN Sciencentre on the 14th of July.

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Ginny Stone, author and science games designer, launched South Africa’s first book for kids on climate change, Sibo makes a difference.

Christina Scott, Africa News Editor for SciDevNet, launched her newest book on good health for students across Africa, part of the “10 things you should know about” series.

Betty Dwight’s new book, Rondebosch Common (which is all about the Rondebosch Commons, of course, and features paintings and observations and is just incredibly beautiful) was also on display.

Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan, award-winning palaeontogist from the University of Cape Town, spoke about her book, Famous Dinosaurs of Africa.

Much fun was had by all. The authors gave fascinating talks – except Betty, who couldn’t make it and had Tim Jobson of the Friends of the Rondebosch Common speak in her place. Anusuya even passed around some really cool fossils, including a claw the size of a human skull!

Gillian Arendse was there, crazy as ever, with the hairstyle that will not be tamed (if you’ve seen it, you’ll know what we’re talking about). Leonie Joubert, author of the pop-sci book Scorched: South Africa’s Changing Climate, made the rounds, helping us understand climate change, and which wine went with which biscuit (it’s a lot more complicated than you might think). Connie September, chair of the water affairs and forestry portfolio in parliament, spoke a few words in honour of the occasion.

All in all, a fun evening and a whole lot of new and interesting books. Even if you think you’re too old for a kiddie book on climate change or dinosaurs (and really, nobody’s too old for dinosaurs), I’m sure you know someone who’d love it.

Written by Nicklaus Kruger