Magic in my Marks
A little girl thinks her marks make her different. Then she discovers they make her part of something magical.
About the Book
A little girl feels alone because of the marks on her skin. She hides them, and watches the other children play from the edge of the playground.
Then the magic begins. A dappled horse, a spotted leopard, a freckled giraffe and a tiny ladybird show her that her marks are not something to hide. They are her magic, and they connect her to the wonder all around her.
A gentle story about belonging, self-acceptance, and seeing the beauty in what makes us different.
The Magic
When she stops hiding and starts to wonder, the whole world opens up, full of colour, creatures and marks just like hers.
Self-Acceptance
Helps children see their differences as something to celebrate.
Belonging
Gentle reassurance for any child who has felt they stand out.
Read Aloud
A rhythmic story made for sharing.
Conversation
Opens up kind talk about skin, marks and being different.
The Magic in Nature
Magic in my Marks
- Soft cover
- 279 × 216mm, 32 pages
- Human-drawn illustrations
How to get your copy
Every copy is R250 — choose how to receive it at checkout:
- Collect at the Cape Town launch (3 Sep) or the Johannesburg launch (5 Sep) — no delivery charge
- Collect from us in Newlands, Cape Town — no delivery charge
- Or have it delivered to you (+R80) — free delivery on orders over R500
Jacqueline Dean
Magic in my Marks, Jacqueline Dean's debut picture book, is dedicated to every person who has ever felt a little different. Jacqueline was inspired to write it after the birth of her daughter, Emily, who was born with CMN. Watching Emily grow has been the most rewarding part of Jacqueline's life, and through this story she hopes to bring a little more understanding and compassion into the world. She lives in Cape Town with her family.
Emily House
Magic in my Marks was illustrated and designed by another Emily... Emily House!
Emily is British but has lived in South Africa for 17 years. She is based in Cape Town, coincidentally just down the road from Jacqueline. She illustrates for indie authors and is a published picture book author too.
You may know her other author-illustrated titles: Ode to the River, Treemergency!, Bonbon and Blanket and Earth Takes a Break.
