Gavin is a well-known artist and cartoonist in South Africa who has illustrated for Little Zebra Books before. His illustrations can be found in the Chameleon and Rabbit book. Currently, he is working with Little Zebra Books to develop a set of children’s books about Jesus. Before he could begin, he needed to figure out a culturally appropriate way to illustrate the stories for a Mozambican audience. As part of that process, he attended the Little Zebra Books conference in Mozambique, along with Little Zebra Books founders, David and Hilary Ker.
One of the reasons for going to the conference was to work with participants to develop artwork for the books about Jesus. He did that with the adult volunteers who were at the conference, and in at least 3 sessions with children.
In one sessions, Gavin met with children in a park and in another, inside a church. In both sessions he drew pictures with them while someone translated. The children got involved drawing their own pictures of Jesus. Seeing their drawings helped Gavin to develop an art style for the Little Zebra books of Jesus that is familiar and enjoyable for children in Mozambique.
Based on that experience, Gavin returned to South Africa and got to work. He has already developed the illustrations for two books about Jesus. According to Little Zebra Books director David Ker, “Our hope is over the next couple of years to produce a large number of books introducing children in Mozambique and other African countries to Jesus.”
Here’s how you can pray:
- Please pray for the Little Zebra Books of Jesus. Pray that many children learn about Jesus through these books.
- Pray for Gavin as he illustrates these books.
We can produce books like these thanks to donations from people like you. If you’d like to donate to Little Zebra Books, click here.
