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Jaco Jacobs Biography
Jaco Jacobs is a prominent South African children’s author who writes primarily in Afrikaans. Born in Carnarvon, Northern Cape, he began writing at a young age and sold his first short stories to magazines while still in high school. To date, he has published over 260 books for children, ranging from picture books to young adult novels.
Some of his prominent works include titles such as “A Good Day for Climbing Trees,” “A Good Night for Shooting Zombies,” and “Suurlemoen!”. Jacobs has also won several literary awards, including the Alba Bouwer Prize and the C.P. Hoogenhout Award. His impact extends beyond writing, as he has translated more than 300 books from English and Dutch into Afrikaans.
Jaco Jacobs Ethnicity
Jaco Jacobs hails from the picturesque town of Carnarvon in the Northern Cape province. His ethnicity is Afrikaner, as he writes primarily in Afrikaans and is deeply connected to the language and culture.
Jaco Jacobs Age
Jaco Jacobs is 44 years old as of 2024.
Jaco Jacobs Early Life and Educational Background
Jaco Jacobs, the iconic South African author, was born on February 22, 1980, in Carnarvon, Northern Cape, which is part of the vast semi-desert region known as the Karoo. His childhood in this remote town was marked by exposure to books, igniting his passion for literature from an early age.
At just seven years old, he began exhibiting his writing talent, and throughout his school years, he participated in numerous competitions as an aspiring author. His debut children’s book, “Pretpark,” was even penned during high school.
Jaco Jacobs pursued higher education at the University of the Free State, where he earned a B.A. in Communication Science and later completed an honors degree in Afrikaans and Dutch literature.
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Jaco Jacobs Career
Jaco Jacobs’ career as a children’s book author is marked by prolific output and significant impact on Afrikaans literature. He began writing at a young age, selling his first short stories to magazines while still in high school. This early start laid the foundation for a career that would see him become one of South Africa’s most beloved children’s authors.
Jacobs’ first major breakthrough came with the publication of Suurlemoen! (Lemon!), a novel that quickly became a favorite among young readers. The book’s success was a testament to his talent for capturing the humor and challenges of adolescence. Suurlemoen! was later adapted into a successful stage play and a film, further cementing Jacobs’ reputation as a leading voice in children’s literature.
Over the years, Jacobs has published over 260 books, ranging from picture books to young adult novels. His works often explore themes of friendship, adventure, and personal growth, resonating with readers of all ages. Notable titles include A Good Day for Climbing Trees and A Good Night for Shooting Zombies, both of which have been translated into multiple languages and received international acclaim.
In addition to his original works, Jacobs is also a prolific translator. He has translated more than 300 books from English and Dutch into Afrikaans, bringing a wide range of international literature to South African readers.
Beyond his writing, Jacobs is actively involved in promoting reading and literacy among young people. He frequently visits schools and libraries, engaging with students and encouraging them to develop a love for reading. His commitment to fostering a reading culture in South Africa is evident in his outreach efforts and his participation in literary festivals and events.
Jaco Jacobs Books
Jaco Jacobs has written an impressive array of books. Here are some of his notable works:
- “A Good Day for Climbing Trees” (2015) – A heartwarming tale that resonates with readers, beautifully translated by Kobus Geldenhuys.
- “Suurlemoen!” – A captivating novel that made it to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) selection in 2007.
- “Oor ‘n motorfiets, ‘n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word” (2013) – A delightful exploration of unexpected connections.
- “Dinge wat ek nie van skape geweet het nie” – A charming book that reveals surprising facts about sheep.
- “Perfek” (2012) – A story that explores imperfections and the beauty within them.
- “Vis & tjips” (2014) – A delightful adventure centered around fish and chips.
- “Virus” (2009) – A gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- “13 Spookstories” (2010) – A collection of spooky tales co-authored with Fanie Viljoen and François Bloemhof.
- “Toulopers: verse vir tieners” (2011) – A series of poems for teenagers.
- “Verlief” (2012) – A collaborative work with Fanie Viljoen and Nelia Engelbrecht.
Jaco Jacobs Awards and Recognitions
Jaco Jacobs has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his prolific career. Here are some of the notable honors he has garnered:
Alba Bouwer Prize: Jacobs has won this prestigious award twice. In 2007, he received it for his work Wurms met tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies (Worms in Tomato Sauce and Other Silly Poems), and in 2019, he was honored for Moenie hierdie boek eet nie (Don’t eat this book).
C.P. Hoogenhout Award: In 2006–2007, Jacobs was recognized with this award for Wurms met tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies.
Tienie Holloway Medal: He received this medal in 2018 for his novel Grom! (Growl!).
Scheepers Prize for Youth Literature: In 2019, Jacobs was honored for Dinge wat ek nie van skape geweet het nie (Taking Selfies With a Sheep).
Film Adaptations: His young adult novel Suurlemoen! (Lemon!) was adapted into a film released in South African cinemas in 2014. Additionally, his novel Oor ‘n motorfiets, ‘n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word (published internationally as A Good Night for Shooting Zombies) inspired the feature film Nul is nie niks nie in 2017.
International Recognition: Jacobs’s novel ‘n Goeie dag vir boomklim (published internationally as A Good Day for Climbing Trees) was chosen as one of the winners in the In Other Words competition sponsored by the British Book Trust. Its worldwide English rights were subsequently sold to Oneworld Publications in 2017.
Jaco Jacobs Net Worth
As of 2024, Jaco Jacobs’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
Jaco Jacobs Wife and Children
Jaco Jacobs is happily married to Elize Jacobs, and together they have two lovely daughters: Mia and Emma. Their family resides in Bloemfontein, South Africa, away from the public eye.
