Bringing stories, laughter and wonder to the Deep South
Books on the Bay is delighted to announce The Word Voyage – a joyful, inspiring outreach programme that will bring some of South Africa’s most loved children’s authors into schools across the Deep South.
As part of the festival’s growing commitment to literacy and community impact, the Word Voyage is designed to take the magic of books beyond the festival venues and directly into classrooms. Through live readings, storytelling, discussion and play, learners will experience first-hand how stories can spark imagination, build confidence and open doors to new worlds.
Led by festival favourite Darryl David, this special initiative is created to nurture a lifelong love of reading and show young learners that words matter. Joining Darryl on this adventure are a remarkable group of storytellers, each bringing their own voice, experience and passion for children’s literature.
Adding an extra layer of wonder to the programme is Petra, CapeNature’s life-size penguin, who will be making special guest appearances. Petra’s presence helps link storytelling with environmental awareness, reminding learners that caring for the planet is part of caring for our future.
The Books on the Bay Word Voyage
Meet the Word Voyage Team
Celest Lotter Nirenstein
Celest is a Cape Town–based children’s author, illustrator, and contemporary artist who is passionate about nurturing a love of reading through story and image. She is the creator of Cheesecake Eats the World (shortlisted for the Otto Award) and has upcoming titles including Cheesecake in Love and Cheesecake Learns to Read. Through regular school and library visits, Celest experiences first-hand the magic that happens when children connect with books, and her work is driven by a deep commitment to early literacy.
Greg Bertish
Greg is a family man, humanitarian, sailor, surfer, and children’s author with an extraordinary life story. He is the founder of the internationally awarded Sharkspotters Program and The Little Optimist Trust, and was a joint winner of the DAME Charity Award in Amsterdam. A multiple cardiac surgery survivor, Greg became a National Champion in Lifesaving and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, and he opened the first Sailing Therapy Academy in Cape Town, using the ocean as a space for healing, resilience, and hope.
Darryl David
Darryl is a pioneer of South African book festivals, having curated over a hundred festivals, many in remote Karoo towns. He branded Richmond as Africa’s only Book Town and helped grow BookBedonnerd into one of the country’s most joyous literary celebrations. He also played a key role in Durban becoming a UNESCO City of Literature and Hermanus a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – both firsts on the African continent. An accomplished author, Darryl has written coffee-table books, two children’s books, a memoir, and Doggone Days, a heartfelt pet memoir documenting his travels with five dogs.
Linda Fellowes (Lulu)
Linda, known as Lulu, is a passionate children’s author who has spent nearly 20 years inspiring young readers. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, her books explore environmental topics like conservation and sustainability in fun, accessible, and empowering ways. Lulu believes that everyone, no matter how small, can make a difference and encourages children to think about their role in protecting the planet while enjoying great stories.
Lisa Templeton
Lisa is a versatile writer, editor, and co-founder of Ballet Betty Books. With a background in hard news, corporate communications, and publishing, she brings a wealth of storytelling expertise to the Word Voyage. She is the author of Ballet Betty Lands a Plum Role and has edited numerous other works. Lisa loves travel, the sea, food, books, and ballet – all of which inspire her writing and connect her to young readers in meaningful ways.
A Journey Powered by Stories
The Word Voyage is about more than books – it is about connection, creativity, confidence and joy. By taking authors directly into schools, Books on the Bay hopes to plant seeds of curiosity and imagination that will grow long after the festival ends.
We can’t wait to see the smiles, hear the laughter, and watch young minds light up as the Word Voyage travels through the Deep South.
