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Not So Fast, Songololo
In South Africa, a young black boy shares a special day with his grandmother when they go into the city on a shopping trip.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 23, 2011
I have actually seen this book on one of the Weston Woods videos and I have enjoyed this story ever since! “Not So Fast Songololo” is a children’s book by Niki Daly, which details a boy and his grandmother’s adventures in the big city when the pair of them go on a shopping expedition! “Not So Fast Songololo” is a truly cute book about family bonding that many children will definitely love to read over and over again!
The day started out when Malusi’s grandmother, Gogo, wanted to take Malusi to the city with her to help with her shopping and boy, what adventures does Gogo and Malusi have on their shopping expedition!
This was quite an unusual and fascinating book that I have read because the book is mainly all about a boy spending quality time with his grandmother in the big city, so the book is written in a half-way storytelling technique that you sort of have a plot in the story, but the plot seems to flow in a somewhat scattered direction that does not completely tell the whole story. Niki Daly has definitely done an excellent job at both writing and illustrating this book about a boy and his grandmother spending time with each other in the city! What was really interesting about this book was that it was set in South Africa. When I was small, I did not noticed this fact since the book never really stated that it was set in South Africa until I read the cover jacket of the book that stated that it took place in South Africa. It was also interesting seeing various South African names used in this book such as “Malusi” and “Gogo” and I was always interested in knowing the South African names. I also loved the way that Niki Daly focused the entire book on Malusi and Gogo’s relationship with each other as they truly care about each other and it was great seeing a well-grounded relationship between a child and their grandparents, which I thought that Niki Daly has depicted this so well. Niki Daly’s illustrations are extremely beautiful, especially of the images of Malusi and Gogo as Gogo is tall and is seen in a flowered dress that strongly shows her sweet nature and Malusi is shown as a small boy who wears a white shirt with blue short jeans and the fact that Malusi is always shown with a smile on his face just makes me feel warm inside every time I see him.
All in all, “Not So Fast Songololo” is a truly memorable book about family bonding that many children will cherished for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the South African names might be difficult for smaller children to understand.
The day started out when Malusi’s grandmother, Gogo, wanted to take Malusi to the city with her to help with her shopping and boy, what adventures does Gogo and Malusi have on their shopping expedition!
This was quite an unusual and fascinating book that I have read because the book is mainly all about a boy spending quality time with his grandmother in the big city, so the book is written in a half-way storytelling technique that you sort of have a plot in the story, but the plot seems to flow in a somewhat scattered direction that does not completely tell the whole story. Niki Daly has definitely done an excellent job at both writing and illustrating this book about a boy and his grandmother spending time with each other in the city! What was really interesting about this book was that it was set in South Africa. When I was small, I did not noticed this fact since the book never really stated that it was set in South Africa until I read the cover jacket of the book that stated that it took place in South Africa. It was also interesting seeing various South African names used in this book such as “Malusi” and “Gogo” and I was always interested in knowing the South African names. I also loved the way that Niki Daly focused the entire book on Malusi and Gogo’s relationship with each other as they truly care about each other and it was great seeing a well-grounded relationship between a child and their grandparents, which I thought that Niki Daly has depicted this so well. Niki Daly’s illustrations are extremely beautiful, especially of the images of Malusi and Gogo as Gogo is tall and is seen in a flowered dress that strongly shows her sweet nature and Malusi is shown as a small boy who wears a white shirt with blue short jeans and the fact that Malusi is always shown with a smile on his face just makes me feel warm inside every time I see him.
All in all, “Not So Fast Songololo” is a truly memorable book about family bonding that many children will cherished for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the South African names might be difficult for smaller children to understand.
November 5, 2012
Shepherd is going shopping in the big city with his Grandma Gogo. They travel by bus and wander around the city doing their shopping and as a treat for keeping her company Gogo buys Shepherd some brand new red trainers. This thrills Shepherd as he only usually gets hand me down clothes and shoes from his big brother!
This is a very touching narrative of a boy’s day out with his Grandma. It is lovely to read about the relationship between the two characters. The illustrations are beautifully drawn, and very engaging, but also very universal as I thought the book was set in London with the red buses, and only when I read the blub did I realise it was set in South Africa.
I picked this book up in my Year 6 Placement class library, but I think a younger age group could easily read and enjoy the story.
This is a very touching narrative of a boy’s day out with his Grandma. It is lovely to read about the relationship between the two characters. The illustrations are beautifully drawn, and very engaging, but also very universal as I thought the book was set in London with the red buses, and only when I read the blub did I realise it was set in South Africa.
I picked this book up in my Year 6 Placement class library, but I think a younger age group could easily read and enjoy the story.
October 3, 2023
#NotSoFastSongololo – Niki Daly
#Tafelberg
Shepherd’s Gogo lovingly calls him Songololo. He is the younger brother of Adelaide and Mongi, and big brother to young Uzuti. His Gogo is elderly, but she always has a happy face and a kind touch. She is not comfortable in the big city, easily confused and agitated by traffic lights, large crowds, and inconsiderate drivers, but must go there for shopping at times.
She asks Shepherd to accompany her, since he is now a big boy. Going to the city is both a huge adventure and responsibility; and, in this case, illustrates Gogo’s trust in and love for her Songololo. The feeling is mutual, and Shepherd observes that his Gogo looks older in the city, thereby realizing that their relationship has become reciprocal.
The story covers only a single day but tells the universal story of the caring relationship between a child and a grandparent. It was first published in 1985 by Human and Rousseau and continues to charm parents and children around the world.
Both the text and full color illustrations are by Niki Daly, who has received a Parent’s Choice award in the United States and the Katrine Harries Award for illustration in South Africa.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
#Tafelberg
Shepherd’s Gogo lovingly calls him Songololo. He is the younger brother of Adelaide and Mongi, and big brother to young Uzuti. His Gogo is elderly, but she always has a happy face and a kind touch. She is not comfortable in the big city, easily confused and agitated by traffic lights, large crowds, and inconsiderate drivers, but must go there for shopping at times.
She asks Shepherd to accompany her, since he is now a big boy. Going to the city is both a huge adventure and responsibility; and, in this case, illustrates Gogo’s trust in and love for her Songololo. The feeling is mutual, and Shepherd observes that his Gogo looks older in the city, thereby realizing that their relationship has become reciprocal.
The story covers only a single day but tells the universal story of the caring relationship between a child and a grandparent. It was first published in 1985 by Human and Rousseau and continues to charm parents and children around the world.
Both the text and full color illustrations are by Niki Daly, who has received a Parent’s Choice award in the United States and the Katrine Harries Award for illustration in South Africa.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
January 12, 2025
This is a touching story about a loving relationship between a child and his Gogo. Loved it.
November 26, 2019
A story about a boy who goes to buy new shoes with his grandmother. Lovely book, the relationship they have is really sweet. I would define some key words in there beforehand like "tackies" and "rands".
June 12, 2012
This is a very tender story about a little boy and the relationship he has with his grandmother. Malusi is, judging from the first spread of the story, the middle child in his family. The quiet, discreet, non assertive, shy child. He gets to spend the day with grandma Gogo. Malusi is not a man-of-many-words, and although it's not quite clear at first how he feels towards Gogo, in fact he might seem a little in awe of her or awkward around her (there's the scene of him staring into the pattern of her dress in the bus, and his first thought arriving in the city is that "she looked older"), and her figure is indeed a little imposing, the illustrations convey a very tender bond between them.
We were halfway into the book when I realized that the story had to be set in South Africa. The contrast between the passengers on the bus and the people riding in the cars down below gave it away, but also the car models, the ad for Smarties and the OK Bazaars signs. Then I started paying more attentions to the details to be found in the water color illustrations, and the cultural references. "What does 'tackies' mean?" asked my son. Before I could come up with an answer, he'd figured it out himself: "Tackies means sneakers!"
We were very happy for Songololo in his new tackies ... !
We've just read another story by Niki Daly, Jamela's Dress and there is actually a series of books centered around Jamela. Now I wish there were more books on Songololo.
We were halfway into the book when I realized that the story had to be set in South Africa. The contrast between the passengers on the bus and the people riding in the cars down below gave it away, but also the car models, the ad for Smarties and the OK Bazaars signs. Then I started paying more attentions to the details to be found in the water color illustrations, and the cultural references. "What does 'tackies' mean?" asked my son. Before I could come up with an answer, he'd figured it out himself: "Tackies means sneakers!"
We were very happy for Songololo in his new tackies ... !
We've just read another story by Niki Daly, Jamela's Dress and there is actually a series of books centered around Jamela. Now I wish there were more books on Songololo.
June 2, 2013
Old Granny Gogo hates going to the busy city to do her shopping. She isn’t used to the crowded streets and the fast-paced way of life. Even the little green man at the zebra crossing manages to confuse her! Luckily, she has her young grandson Shepherd to accompany her. The hectic city seems much more bearable with Songololo by her side.
The descriptions and illustrations in this book beautifully build an image of urban life in South Africa. The characters dialogue too is very genuine and unashamedly uses many South African expressions, but with a rhythm and descriptive colour that would delight a child of any nationality. I would recommend this book for children aged 4-6 years old. It could be used as a classroom resource for a Geography lesson or perhaps a literacy lesson describing a setting.
The descriptions and illustrations in this book beautifully build an image of urban life in South Africa. The characters dialogue too is very genuine and unashamedly uses many South African expressions, but with a rhythm and descriptive colour that would delight a child of any nationality. I would recommend this book for children aged 4-6 years old. It could be used as a classroom resource for a Geography lesson or perhaps a literacy lesson describing a setting.
April 12, 2023
A sweet little story about a boy, a grandmother and a new pair of tackies.
Ages: 5 - 8
South Africa
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 5 - 8
South Africa
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
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January 27, 2023In the book, "Not So Fast, Songololo" by Niki Daly tells the story of a boy whose name is Malusi but his grandmother calls him Songololo. Malusi is now old enough to go into the city to shop with his grandmother Gogo. Gogo is very slow to move so Malusi walks ahead of her and looks through the shoe shop window while he waits for her. He then sees a pair of takkies (sneakers) when he looks down at his own pair and starts to compare the difference between his shoes and the ones in the window as he tells his grandmother, but they continue to walk to the store they went to the city for. Gogo had many things to buy at the store like groceries, tablecloths, a mug, and a bottle to keep beans in. When they went back by the shoe store on their way out of the city, Malusi took one more look at the takkies before leaving when Gogo went straight into the shoe shop to buy the new red and white striped takkies for him. Once they got on the bus Malusi kept admiring his new takkies and Gogo said, "Maybe if I had brand new red takkies I would walk as fast as you." Then they laughed the whole way back home.
As a teacher, I could use this book in many different ways. I could use this book when talking about different cultures and how some of our words are not the same words in other cultures. If we had a lesson on shoes and how shoes are all different, I could read this book and then have the students design their own shoes on a piece of paper. There could be a lesson on how some people go by different names then their real name and read this book then get the children to tell if they go by a different name or nickname than their real name.
As a teacher, I could use this book in many different ways. I could use this book when talking about different cultures and how some of our words are not the same words in other cultures. If we had a lesson on shoes and how shoes are all different, I could read this book and then have the students design their own shoes on a piece of paper. There could be a lesson on how some people go by different names then their real name and read this book then get the children to tell if they go by a different name or nickname than their real name.
September 9, 2025
It is a sweet and simple story about a boy named Songololo and his grandmother, Gogo. The book takes place in South Africa, and the pictures do a great job of showing what life there looks like. Songololo goes with Gogo into town to help her shop. He helps her cross the busy streets and carry the things she buys. What stood out to me was how much love and respect Songololo shows his grandmother. The story feels warm and real, and it reminded me of how even small moments with family can mean a lot.
This book would work really well in an elementary classroom because kids can connect to the ideas of family, respect, and helping others. It could lead to a class discussion about the ways students help people at home or how they spend time with grandparents. Teachers could also ask questions like "Why was it important for Songololo to go with Gogo?" or "How did he make the trip easier for her? Since the book shows life in South Africa it could also tie into a social studies lesson about different cultures. A fun activity might be for students to draw or write about a special memory with an older family member.
December 14, 2019
Set in South Africa during the Apartheid, grandmother (Gogo) and grandson (Shepherd) walk us through the market place from the perspective of the young boy. Although Shepherd is there to help his slow-walking grandmother to buy her shopping, he is also in for a surprise. Being the youngest in the family he is often made to wear hand-me-downs and when Gogo sees the state of his trainers she thinks a detour is in order. A trip to a rather luxurious shoe-shop takes place and Shepherd is repaid for his kindness and devotion.
Although the images are set in the mid 80s, the story is a beautiful one and I would love to see written for our times. This is more an illustrated book rather than a picturebook with Daly in charge of both elements. He captures life in the same way that Shirley Hughes captures suburban London. It is a colourful yet tender little story with deep undercurrent themes of race and, perhaps, poverty to be found for those who wish to look deeper.
Although the images are set in the mid 80s, the story is a beautiful one and I would love to see written for our times. This is more an illustrated book rather than a picturebook with Daly in charge of both elements. He captures life in the same way that Shirley Hughes captures suburban London. It is a colourful yet tender little story with deep undercurrent themes of race and, perhaps, poverty to be found for those who wish to look deeper.
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August 28, 2022Not So Fast, Songololo by Niki Daly
I recently read this book on Epic and enjoyed it. This book is about a little boy, named Songololo, who goes to the city with his Grandmother, Gogo. Gogo is older, therefore she needed someone to go with her to help guide her, but she walked very slowly. Walking slowly meant that the little boy was allowed to admire all of the little shops they have passed. On the way he noticed a shoe shop, and instead of walking past it he ran inside. Gogo noticed that his shoes were worn out, so she bought him new shoes as a gift. As a teacher, I would use this book in my classroom to help encourage students to take their time on things, weather its assignments or task at home. When your in a rush you can miss many small and important details rather than if you took your time.
I recently read this book on Epic and enjoyed it. This book is about a little boy, named Songololo, who goes to the city with his Grandmother, Gogo. Gogo is older, therefore she needed someone to go with her to help guide her, but she walked very slowly. Walking slowly meant that the little boy was allowed to admire all of the little shops they have passed. On the way he noticed a shoe shop, and instead of walking past it he ran inside. Gogo noticed that his shoes were worn out, so she bought him new shoes as a gift. As a teacher, I would use this book in my classroom to help encourage students to take their time on things, weather its assignments or task at home. When your in a rush you can miss many small and important details rather than if you took your time.
August 26, 2022
I really enjoyed reading "Not So Fast, Songololo" by Niki Daly. It had important themes like a loving family relationship and South African culture. The storyline was interesting, and it had a very sweet ending. My favorite part was when Malusi tried on the bright red teckies and said he was so happy he could barely sit still. As a future teacher, I would use this book to teach my students about the South American culture. There are many examples of their culture and climate such as the characters names, the way they dress, and the way the city is described. I would also read this book to my students when we are learning about descriptive words. In the book, the author uses many visual words that allow the students to picture the story in their minds.
August 26, 2022
This book is a heartfelt story of a Grandmother who makes sacrifices for her grandson's happiness. It is sweet and wholesome. This would be a great book to share when talking about cultures and that words such as Songololo have meaning in other cultures. It could also be used to talk about the sacrifices that adults make for children's happiness.
June 21, 2017
3.5. Søt barnebok, koselig fortelling og fine og livlige illustrasjoner. Noe brå slutt og den mangler den dybden som de virkelig gode barnebøkene har (de som er like underholdene og vakre for folk i alle aldersgrupper). Likevel fin.
January 1, 2022
A boy in South Africa accompanies his grandmother on a shopping outing to the big city. The illustrations and story are great. I almost gave it 4 stars but I’m not sure it’d hold up for multiple readings, although there really is a sweetness to their relationship, so maybe it would.
November 17, 2018
Not much action, but a nice peek into a world that’s unfamiliar to a lot of kids I teach.
March 6, 2019
Awww lovely
March 25, 2020
Got this book from a fair at IIT. A chuckle read for bedtime as it weaves a story of Grandma and Grandson
August 29, 2021
A cute, simple story about a young boy and his grandmother going to the big city to buy some necessities.
September 4, 2021
Sød og kort sydafrikansk børnebog. Man kommer ikke så meget i dybden, og den stopper ret pludseligt. Men stadig en fin historie om en dreng, der følger med sin bedstemor ud at handle
July 6, 2025
Excellent story
May 17, 2014
Not So Fast Songlolo is a post-apartheid South African picture book about a little boy who accompanies his old granny (Gogo) to the busy city to do some shopping. Shepherd, called Songololo by his grandmother, liked to do things slowly… especially in his old, hand-me-down, white tackies (sneakers). After finishing her shopping, Gogo surprises and treats her grandson to a brand new pair of bright, red tackies even though they have very little money. As they walk back home, Songololo walks at a faster pace with his head up high in his new shoes.
This book is most appropriate for children ages 4-8 and deals with themes such as everyday life, the loving relationship between a grandmother and her grandson, and generosity. The book also hints at the poverty conditions Shepherd’s family faces with his tattered shoes and the mention of things costing so much money. While the story takes place in South Africa, the story will appeal to a universal audience as all of the themes presented are very relatable across cultures. Also, the readers are sure to enjoy the lively watercolor and marker illustrations that are a delightful complement to the simple text. As a teacher, I would use this book in a cultural unit on South Africa and have students compare and contrast their own lives to that of Songololo’s. Students could also respond to the literature by writing about any of their connections to the story.
This book is most appropriate for children ages 4-8 and deals with themes such as everyday life, the loving relationship between a grandmother and her grandson, and generosity. The book also hints at the poverty conditions Shepherd’s family faces with his tattered shoes and the mention of things costing so much money. While the story takes place in South Africa, the story will appeal to a universal audience as all of the themes presented are very relatable across cultures. Also, the readers are sure to enjoy the lively watercolor and marker illustrations that are a delightful complement to the simple text. As a teacher, I would use this book in a cultural unit on South Africa and have students compare and contrast their own lives to that of Songololo’s. Students could also respond to the literature by writing about any of their connections to the story.
October 5, 2009
This is a story about a poor boy in South Africa (so be mindful of South African terms such as "zebra crossing" where Americans would say "crosswalk") who helps out his grandmother and as a special treat gets a new pair of sneakers. His FIRST new pair of sneakers, as he usually wears his older sibling's falling-apart handmedowns.
The family relationships are sweet and clear, the story is vividly told, the resolution is simple... and yet, I just can't get into this book when I read it to my nieces. This, in turn, affects their appreciation of it as they can see that I'm just going through the motions instead of enjoying it. Try Jamela's Birthday or Those Shoes instead.
The family relationships are sweet and clear, the story is vividly told, the resolution is simple... and yet, I just can't get into this book when I read it to my nieces. This, in turn, affects their appreciation of it as they can see that I'm just going through the motions instead of enjoying it. Try Jamela's Birthday or Those Shoes instead.
July 10, 2008
Another lovely Niki Daly book that shows contemporary urban South African culture so well. The pictures have lots for young children to interact with, but those who don't have English as a first language might need to have it told rather than read because of the number of words on a page. Primary school learners will be fine with it.
September 6, 2020
This would be a wonderful book to read with a grandchild, because the emotions and characters are universal. It truly could be any city in the world with any grandma and grandson.
The watercolour illustrations capture the busy-ness of the city and the softness of people remarkably well.
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL18425...
The watercolour illustrations capture the busy-ness of the city and the softness of people remarkably well.
https://openlibrary.org/works/OL18425...
January 15, 2009
This is a book full of warmth about a little boy and his "gogo" (grandma). The verbal descriptions create as beautiful a picture as the lovely illustrations. The African names and words will make people from Southern Africa feel right at home.
February 14, 2013
This is a wonderful story about a little boy, Malusi and his trip with his Grandmother into the city for the day.
The story is set in South Africa, the language and illustrations made this a pleasure to read.
The story is set in South Africa, the language and illustrations made this a pleasure to read.
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March 30, 2013"Dear Dionisia,
Always remember your family, past and present. Think of them, each one when your feeling down or in trouble. They watch over you and will touch your head in a time of need. And you will see the way to an answer.
Love, Papa"
Always remember your family, past and present. Think of them, each one when your feeling down or in trouble. They watch over you and will touch your head in a time of need. And you will see the way to an answer.
Love, Papa"
March 19, 2014
This is an entertaining tale about the closeness of extended family and the excitement of getting a new pair of shoes. The narrative is entertaining and the colorful illustrations complement the story nicely. We enjoyed reading this book together.
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