What is The Story Explorers Club?

The Story Explorers Club is a monthly newsletter written by me, South African children’s author and editor Kristien Potgieter. It’s aimed at curious and adventurous kids – and grown-ups – who love exploring our diverse world through books and storytelling.

I decided to start The Story Explorers Club as a way of connecting with my readers, sharing my passion for children’s books, encouraging kids’ love of books and storytelling, and shining a spotlight on South African children’s literature.

Each edition contains updates about my writing, book recommendations, giveaways, author interviews, creative activities for kids and more.

Who am I?

I’m a children's author, editor, researcher and creative writing teacher from Johannesburg.

After high school, I studied at the University of Pretoria and later at Wits University. I have an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in the UK, where I was the 2015–2016 Booker Scholar, and a PhD in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University, also in the UK. My children's books Bongi Ballerina and Bongi Ballerina Takes a Bow are both illustrated by the brilliant Cristy Zinn and published by LAPA Publishers. My short story for teens 'The Audition' appeared in the anthology for schools Apocalypse at the End of the Street, published by Lapa Publishers, and I wrote a picture book called I Hate Winter for the wonderful organisation Book Dash. My next chapter book with LAPA Publishers is forthcoming in 2026.

When will I receive a newsletter?

New editions of The Story Explorers Club will generally be released once a month, on the first Wednesday of the month, starting in February 2025. From time to time, additional newsletters may be released in-between regular editions.

Is it free to subscribe?

Yes, it’s free to subscribe to The Story Explorers Club. Editions of the newsletter are free to access on the Substack website and app.