"Every adventure begins with curiosity!" An interview with Unarine Phaswane, author of Una's Mzanzi Bush Adventure

We had the wonderful opportunity to ask Unarine Phaswane, the eleven-year-old author of Una's Mzanzi Bush Adventure, some questions about her first release. Una reminds us to experience the world with curiosity and an explorer's eye!

We look forward to reading the next titles in Una's adventure.

What inspired you to write your book?

Una's Mzanzi Bush Adventure was inspired by my desire to encourage children to read while helping them discover the beauty of South Africa and my love for the bush. 

What three children's books would you take to a desert island with you?

Disaster at Gogo's Spaza by Salamina Mosese, Nik Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas and The Dork Diary Series by Rachel Renee Russell.

What would you want other children to take from your story?

I hope children learn to be curious about the world around them, appreciate nature, and believe in themselves. I also want them to understand that learning can be an exciting adventure and that every journey offers an opportunity to discover something new.

Who is your favourite children's book character and why?

One of my favourite children's book characters is JP from Nic Blake and the Remarkables.

Was it hard to write the book? What was your favourite part?

Writing a book always comes with challenges because you want the story to be fun, meaningful, and engaging. The most enjoyable part was creating Una's adventure and imagining all the amazing places she would visit. I also loved researching South Africa's wildlife and the facts about the animals.

What is your favourite page in Una's Mzanzi Bush Adventure?

My favourite page is the one where Una has her most exciting wildlife encounter. It captures the sense of wonder and adventure that I hope every child feels while reading the book. It reminds readers that nature is full of surprises and that every adventure begins with curiosity.

What can we expect next from you?

Readers can look forward to more adventures in Una's Mzansi Bush Adventures series. Una will continue exploring different parts of South Africa, discovering new national parks, meeting fascinating animals, and learning valuable lessons along the way.

Una's Mzanzi Bush Adventure is included in our Klein Bookies Non-Fiction pack for ages 4+!