Harina: The Special Girl: 1 (Tales of Harina) - Tapa blanda

Harina is a beautiful little African girl whose favourite possession is her `Gumbi', a soft, comforting blanket given by her grandmother when she was born. She is befriended by a crested guinea fowl who she calls Hanga. These rare, wild birds are believed to bring good fortune. Together, Harina and Hanga have a magical adventure in the `bird world'. Harina meets new friends Peli, who has a broken wing, and Doc who makes him feel better. She listens to a nightingale and learns about the joy of giving. Back at school the next day she is very happy because she helps a new boy with a broken arm and understands the lessons she has learned. Harina: The Special Girl is part of a series of children's books suitable for ages 3-7. They can be enjoyed by families, teachers and children on their own. The books emphasise diversity, international understanding and racial harmony as well as the joy of giving.

Born in Zimbabwe, Joy R Hartley travelled widely as an Air Steward, then studied child development. She has lived in France and the USA as well as the UK and has a 20-year-old son who is a university student. Passionate about diversity, Joy believes that children should relate to characters in the books they read. Through her stories she aims to inspire children with international understanding and the joy of giving.