South African Author Puts Local Magic on the Map with New Children’s Novel

Photo Credit: Brenda Veldtman

Inspired by his own childhood love of reading, the filmmaker hopes to give young readers a magical world that begins right here in South Africa.

South Africa (10 November 2026) – What if the next great magical adventure didn’t begin in a faraway European forest or an imaginary world on another planet, but right here in South Africa?

That is the idea behind InterVille, the first children’s novel from filmmaker and author Etienne Fourie, who hopes to introduce young readers to a world of magic with a distinctly local identity.

The book has already earned a place on Bargain Books’ Christmas Picks for Children list, alongside popular titles such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Fight or Flight and Gruffalo Granny.

For Fourie, the story is about more than simply creating another fantasy adventure. It is also a chance to give young South African readers something he felt was missing from the books he enjoyed as a child.

“Growing up, the magical worlds I loved always seemed far away. They were in London, New York, a European forest, another country or another planet. I rarely found South African stories that offered the particular kind of escapism I was looking for,” he explained.

The novel follows 12-year-old Patrick Newberry, a keen gamer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he develops an allergy to electricity. His sneezes also have a rather explosive side effect, causing electronic devices to blow up.

Things become even more unusual when Patrick is sent to Crooked Creek Canyon Camp, where he discovers Verdigris Island and a mysterious Gate leading to InterVille; it is a place filled with impossible worlds and terrifying creatures.

The camp itself is no ordinary holiday destination. Described in its brochure as a place for “stubbornly unique individuals”, Patrick quickly realises that he has landed among children who don’t quite fit in anywhere else.

As he explains, Patrick has his own reservations about being there.

“Patrick correctly points out that this is a fancy way of saying it is a camp for social outcasts and juvenile delinquents. It is populated by children who, for one reason or another, don’t quite fit anywhere else.”

Fourie says the mixture of humour, adventure, wonder and frightening moments came naturally while writing the story.

“That mixture of tones feels true to life. Life can be funny, wonderful, adventurous and frightening, sometimes almost simultaneously.”

His biggest hope is that the story reaches the readers who need it most.

“I hope InterVille finds readers who are looking for a world they can disappear into and a series they can genuinely look forward to.”

He also emphasises that it’s for everyone.

“It is especially for the outsiders, the misfits and the children and adults who sometimes feel that the adventure they are searching for doesn’t exist where they are.”