Local author launches children’s book

Nicole Lubout, a Kingswood resident and author, is capturing the magic of childhood imagination with her debut children’s picture book, There’s a Crocodile in My Sandpit.

Inspired by her own children’s outdoor adventures, the story transforms an ordinary backyard sandpit into a thrilling crocodile’s lair – proving that a little dirt and a lot of imagination can turn the everyday into something extraordinary.

What makes this book’s journey even more remarkable is Lubout’s path to publication. After realising how challenging it is for first-time authors to break into traditional publishing, she took the independent route – learning everything from manuscript editing to working with an illustrator, overseeing printing, and managing her own marketing.

‘This story started as a little tale for my children, and I never imagined it would one day be a real book in my hands,’ says Lubout. ‘The process has been a steep learning curve, but it’s also shown me how creative and entrepreneurial you can be when you believe in your idea.’

There’s a Crocodile in My Sandpit is currently available on Takealot, and Lubout is working to bring it to local Garden Route bookstores – and hopefully beyond. She is also looking forward to visiting schools, libraries, and playgroups to host storytime readings and inspire young readers and aspiring writers.

‘Storytime is one of the best ways to ignite a child’s imagination – and if I can inspire future writers along the way, even better!’ she adds.