Originally from Johannesburg, Stacey is an outgoing child who loves reading and writing. 

This young star has written a book  titled “Smelly Cats”. Her work won in the category of Best Early Childhood Development Publication 2015; Special Mention Category. The book has also been qualified by the National Department of Basic Education as a supplementary learning material at primary schools.

Stacey is passionate about inspiring other children to reach for their dreams too. She wrote this book with the hope of spreading the message of love and understanding. Her book is about two cats who are cousins. It portrays the common challenges of different socio-economic, academic and religious backgrounds in which the two survived. In this book, Stacey portrays the differences in places where the two cats live and how this affects their daily lives. Smelly Cats also depicts that, even though the cats come from the same family, they have differences in friendship, love, hate, care, economic background and behaviour due to who they are. As her characters behave badly at times, Stacey tells us the role of school discipline in their lives.

The constant fights between the two are real situations in daily lives. However, just like in real (human) life, fights are the vital spice of life that do not last forever. Stacey concludes her book by stating that “Life is not a bed of hatred. You grow better when you fight to spread love and have fun in a child’s way”.

We asked Stacey what some of her favourite reading moments were. She answered that her most cherished memories are that of her parents telling her stories of when they were children - showing just how much impact adults have in sparking children's potential. This talented young girl also signed up to be a FUNda Leader, saying that "reading with and to friends, my siblings and my parents, because reading is my passion, reading with friends and my parents makes me happy".

What an inspiring little FUNda Leader! If you want to find out more about Stacey and get her book, click here. AND if you want to join Stacey as  FUNda Leader, simply visit our page here.