Jaco Jacobs (born 22 February 1980 in Carnarvon, Northern Cape) is a multi-awarding South African author. He is best known for writing children’s books and writes in Afrikaans. He is also a well-known columnist, freelance journalist and translator.
He has published over one hundred and seventy (170) books and translated over two hundred and fifty (250) books. Translating these books written in foreign languages including English and Dutch to Afrikaans.
Jaco Jacobs  | |
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| Wiki, Facts & Profile Data | |
| Full Name | Jaco Jacobs |
| Born | 22 February 1980 (age 41 years) Carnarvon, Northern Cape |
| Gender | Male |
| Education | BA Communication Science (2002) BA Afrikaans and Dutch (2005) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Children’s book author |
| Wife | Elize |
| Daughters | Mia, Emma |
| Popular for | publishing over 170 books for children |
| Award | Scheepers Prize for Youth Literature (2019) C.P. Hoogenhout Award |
| First book | A Good Day for Climbing Trees |
Background
Jacobs was born on 22 February 1980 in Carnarvon, Northern Cape, South African. His talent, passion, and interest in writing came to the knowledge of the public during his high school days.
Though he started exhibiting his writing skills at a young age, 7years . Jaco sold his first short stories to magazines during his days in high school.
He grew up in the Karoo in a community where stories are part of everyday life.
Jaco grew up with a grandfather who loves to tell stories. His grandmother also loved old nursery rhymes and taught them.
Career
His publishing credit includes over 170 books mainly for children. Jaco’s work ranges from picture books to books for young adults.
The young at heart are not left out. He dropped some of his books under some fictitious names including Lize Roux and Tania Brink.
His outstanding work has been recognized both on the local and international scenes.
Suurlemoen!, a novel for young adults, was selected as an International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) WHAT WHAT Book in 2007.
In 2014, a film adaptation of the novel Suurlemoen! was available in cinemas in the country.
In 2017, Oor ‘n motorfiets, ‘n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word was adapted into a feature film. The film was given the title Nul is nie niks nie.
More of his books continued to gain international recognition. His novel ‘n Goeie dag vir boomklim, for young adults, was selected among the winners in the In Other Words competition.
The competition was sponsored by Book Trust, UK’s largest children’s reading charity in London, England.
Rizzoli Libri published A Good Day for Climbing Trees in Italian. The book also got longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Adding to his tally, he is a writer of magazine articles and columns.
He prides in some of his accomplishments including translating over 250 books written in English and Dutch to Afrikaans.
Some of his translations have been recognized with awards. Translating Chris Riddell’s Ottoline and the Yellow Cat earned him the Elsabe Steenberg Prize for children’s book translation. He also received the SATI Prize for the translation of children’s books.
Family
Jaco Jacobs is happily married to Elize. Their union is blessed with beautiful daughters Mia and Emma.
The couple lives with their children and three dogs, a pet python, and a cat in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Books
- A Good Day for Climbing Trees
- Suurlemoen!
- Oor ‘n motorfiets, ‘n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word
- Perfek
- Vis & tjips
- Dinge wat ek nie van skape geweet het nie
- Virus
- Toulopers: verse vir tieners
- Verlief
- Tande
- Eks Mal Oor Jou
- 13 Spookstories
- Nog 13 Spookstories
- Wurms met Tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies
- Liewe Land, ‘N Olifant: Afrikaans
- Spaghetti tussen jou tone
- Gevaarlike lopies – CAPS
- Moenie hierdie boek eet nie!
- My boetie dink hy is Batman
- Zackie Mostert en die Gemaskerde Groen Gevaar
- Kougom in my hare
- Superboetie
- Zackie Mostert en die ongelooflike kulkunsie
- ‘n Brulpadda in my tas
- Sterkykers: gedigte vir tieners
- Draakasem
- My ouma is ‘n rockster
- SKWIEK
- Middernagfees
- Zackie Mostert en die super-aaklige soen
Awards
| Year | Award | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-2007 | C.P. Hoogenhout Award | Wurms met tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies |
| 2007 | Alba Bouwer Prize | Wurms met tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies |
| 2018 | Tienie Holloway Medal | Grom! |
| 2019 | Scheepers Prize for Youth Literature | Dinge wat ek nie van skape geweet het nie |
| 2019 | Alba Bouwer Prize | Moenie hierdie boek eet nie |
