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World Read
Aloud Day

with Nali'bali

Join us on World Read Aloud Day, 4 February 2026 to share our special story, a new friend, with as many children and adults - as you can!

To create this story, we did things a bit differently. Nal’ibali partnered with SLED (Sign Language Education and Development) to create a story using South Africa’s 12th official language, South African Sign Language (SASL)! The SLED team developed the story using SASL and then translated it into various languages.

The story, which has a new, Deaf Nal’ibali character named Thandiwe, was then brought to life with beautiful illustrations by Rico.

Nal’ibali is dedicated to giving children an opportunity to enjoy stories in their first language, so this story is available in all 12 official South African languages!

Before you read the story aloud

  • Read the title of the story and discuss the pictures. Ask your children what they think the story is about.
  • Ask questions that will help your children think about how we make new friends.

Ideas to talk about: Is it easy or difficult for you to make new friends? What qualities do you look for in a friend? Do you have friends from different cultures? Would you be friends with someone who uses a different language than you do?

Before you read the story aloud

You will notice that the word “Deaf” is written with a capital “D” in this story. This is because the Deaf community has their own culture, traditions, values, history, humour, art and their own unique language. In South Africa, this language is called South African Sign Language (SASL).

  • Get to know the story well enough so that you can retell it or read it aloud with confidence!
  • Think about how to bring the story to life.
  • Choose a time of day to share the story when your whole family is together.

While you read the story aloud

  • As you read the story, ask your children questions about it. “What do you think will happen next?” is a great question to develop children’s prediction skills.
  • Talk about the illustrations. Ask, “Who is in this illustration?”, “What does this illustration show us?” or “Why is this illustration important to the development of the story?”

Pledge to read aloud together as a family this World Read Aloud Day – and every day.

Each family that signs up will have the opportunity to join Nal’ibali’s World Read Aloud Day family-reading journey. You will receive additional stories as well as tips and ideas on how to read with your children throughout the year.

Pledge Now

Or

WhatsApp the word “WRAD” to 0600 44 22 54

Read: A New Friend

Story by the SLED team Illustrations by Rico

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Core 2026 WRAD Pledge Form 

Step 1 of 3

When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.

Full Name
Please enter a 10-digit number without spaces or dashes i.e. 0732345671 Do not use country code i.e. +27
If different from the one above( Please enter a 10-digit number without spaces or dashes i.e. 0732345671 Do not use country code i.e. +27 ) This number will be used to send a story that will be read on the World Read ALoud Day

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The Nal’ibali Trust Unit G06, WBHO House 6 Logan Way Pinelands Cape Town, 7430
+27 (0)21 448 6000
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