Where the White Storks Migrate, Folktales and Histories Along their Path

a mustering of storks at the beginning of their migration, February 2025

For centuries, the white storks migrated witnessing humanity’s triumphs and tragedies unfold beneath its wings. From the old African tribes to the sacred temples of Egypt and the battlefields of the Levant; from the grandeur of Ottoman palaces to the villages of Romania, the white storks have traveled through space and time. They carry no bias, no memory of war or peace. Only the rhythm of migration and the promise of return. And so, when it takes flight again, it remains, as ever, a silent witness to the world’s unfolding tale.

Yesterday, on the 21st of February, we witnessed the white storks taking flight on their migratory journey. Let’s join them.

15/02/202522/02/2025

The Legend of the Lilly Pilly and How to Make This Delicious Jam

lilly pilly tree with small red berry fruit

The Legend of the Lilly Pilly Spirit

Long ago, before the land bore the marks of iron and stone, the first people of the great southern lands spoke of a tree unlike any other—the Lilly Pilly. It was said that this tree had been a gift from the Spirit of the Waters who moved unseen through the world, whispering wisdom to those who listened.

29/10/202430/10/2024

Kindred Threads in Embroidery, Old Turkish Attire and Calligraphy

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery, Romanian blouse IA and a red and black Greek needlework

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery and marveled at old Turkish attire and Arabic calligraphy. My daughter invited me to attend the Threads of Tradition: Turks, Turbans and Artistic Innovation exhibition curated by Professor Raita Steyn from the University of Pretoria, with a live calligraphy demonstration by Master Refik Carikci.

08/09/202408/09/2024

The Role of Storytelling in Literacy, Chatting with Twinkl South Africa on International Literacy Day

role of storytelling in literacy Twinkl SA Patricia Furstenberg

To celebrate International Literacy Day I had the joy of chatting with talented Magret Botman, Segment Manager: Intermediate Phase Twinkl Ltd, about the Role of Storytelling in Literacy.

We also discussed early memories of reading; my writing process; why is storytelling important in the context of literacy education; using storytelling as a tool in the classroom; how digital age impacts children’s storytelling and reading habits, and what changes I would you like to see in the way literacy is taught in schools:

23/07/202423/07/2024

Unexpected Friendships In Children’s Books, My Interview With Twinkl

The Cheetah and the Dog, The Elephant and the Sheep, The Lion and the Dog, diversity stories

Recently I had the pleasure to chat about the unexpected friendships encountered in my children’s books with lovely Ciske Momberg, the Content Executive for Twinkl South Africa.

Twinkl is an online educational publishing house founded in 2010 and headquartered in Sheffield, England, producing teaching and educational materials and providing educators and parents across the world with high quality, trusted teaching and learning resources. Twinkle South Africa is aligned with CAPS.