Niki Daly’s series of picture books about a little girl named Jamela are a perfect introduction to South African culture, and they are just good stories.

What’s Cooking, Jamela? deals with the advent of Christmas, South African style as Jamela helps Mama fatten up a chicken for Christmas dinner.

“When Gogo left, Mama said, ‘Come, Jamela, let’s go to Mrs. Zibi and buy one of her young chickens. If we feed it well, it will be nice and fat for Christmas.’

Mama let Jamela choose the chicken–a beautiful red one. Mrs. Zibi gave them a bag of mielies.

‘We can call her Christmas,’ said Jamela. Mama laughed. ‘That’s a good name for a Christmas chicken, Jamela.'”

Other Jamela books:

Jamela’s Dress
Happy Birthday, Jamela!
Where’s Jamela?
A Song for Jamela

Several of these are also available in Spanish.