Shudufhadzo Musida has launched another children’s book

Former Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Abigail Musida has authored and launched her second children’s book titled I am Shudu: Finding My Voice, Knowing My Strength. Musida’s first book, Shudu Finds Her Magic, is inspired by her own childhood and the bullying she experienced when she moved to a new province and a new school.

The book was created in hope of shining a light on bullying and engaging conversations about mental health especially in schools. Shudu Finds Her Magic is specifically aimed at children aged between four and 12 years old and also focuses on the power of friendship.

While speaking at the launch and signing event of her second book, as reported by Nounouche, Musida explained that her love for reading and books dates back to her childhood. The former Miss South Africa also noted that her grandmother always emphasised the importance of reading.

“Although she could not read or write, she knew the importance of reading. She always asked me if I was brushing my teeth and reading books”, Shudufhadzo shared. Shudufhadzo Musida’s new book, I am Shudu explores various themes, including friendships, displaced families, bravery, forgiveness and bullying.

Once again through this new body of work Shudufhadzo documents her childhood and how she was bullied. The book also details Shudu’s evolution into finding herself again. Bullying and sadness can often be normalised in our society, and we don’t realise that there’s something wrong with it because no one tells us otherwise. We need to reframe what the word ‘resilience’ looks like when it comes to children”, the author shared.

Musida also noted that she hopes that youngsters who do read her books find parts of themselves somewhere among the pages. I am writing the books for you to read because I want to have conversations that matter to you. I think you’re all so intelligent. I write the books for you to understand that you’re seen and that you’re heard. I write the books for you to understand yourselves better”, she explained.