The Stories That Ran Away is a compilation of children's books published by the museum's BMW Centre for Art Education. Written and illustrated by creative talents, the series aims to embody Zeitz MOCAA's commitment to nurturing the imagination and cultural appreciation in young readers, while advancing African narratives on an international stage, says the museum.

Following the success of the museum's first four-book compilation launched in 2024, the next series aims to continue the journey of reimagining African folktales through words and images created for children. The Stories That Ran Away aims to reflect the museum's commitment to fostering learning and literacy through powerful storytelling and art, adds the museum.

The journey of these books began with the museum's first exhibition for children that opened in September 2019, And So The Stories Ran Away (ASSRA). This interactive, child-centred exhibition of seventeen artworks and installations was exhibited in the tunnels on Level -1 of the museum, says the museum.

The broad theme of "Stories From Africa" informed the content of the ASSRA exhibition and artists could choose myths, legends, historical events, contemporary or personal stories to inspire their artworks. How Stories Came Among Men is a Nigerian folktale that became the "framing" story for the ASSRA exhibition and the inspiration for the first title in the series, adds the museum.

The Tale of Mouse and the Stories That Ran Away

To ensure these important works reach the widest possible audience and foster deeper cultural connection, Zeitz MOCAA has partnered with African Literary Agency. With their networks, expertise and deep of the continent's creative literary landscape, the Agency aims to be uniquely positioned to bring this series to a global stage, says the museum.

More significantly, they share Zeitz MOCAA's commitment to amplifying African voices and advancing the narratives these publications seek to convey, adds the museum.

"African Literary Agency is honoured to partner with Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town on global representation of The Stories That Ran Away — a vibrant children's book series that celebrates the richness of African storytelling and art," says Bieke van Aggelen, Founder of African Literary Agency.

"The series has come to life beautifully and is a fabulous collection of African stories and art created for children. I believe this unique fusion invites children from everywhere to step into a world where their imagination can flow freely," adds van Aggelen.

Founded over a decade ago in Johannesburg and now based in Amsterdam, African Literary Agency continues its mission to bring African voices to the world. Van Aggelen and children's book agent Mercy Kirui will represent The Stories That Ran Away internationally, aiming to connect this series with global audiences, adds the museum.

"Building on the momentum of the first four books — The Tale of Mouse and the Stories That Ran Away, First Light, Nya Nya Bulembu and Khvum and the Crocodile Woman — this second series introduces three new titles inspired by folktales from across the continent: Nkanyamba, One World One Family, and Why Fire and Water are Enemies," says Liesl Hartman, Head of Zeitz MOCAA's BMW Centre for Art Education.

"Each book celebrates the beauty of storytelling and the imagination of artists who bring these tales to life through painting, drawing and design," adds Hartman.

The publications aim to affirm Zeitz MOCAA's mission to create a museum that is also a place for children, and builds bridges between art, literacy and imagination. This second series of The Stories That Ran Away will be released in March 2026 with a launch event and book signing. An ongoing programme of public activations, including readings and workshops hosted by the BMW Centre for Art Education will follow, says the museum.

The books will be available for purchase at the Zeitz MOCAA Shop and select local and international retailers. Zeitz MOCAA's education programming is generously supported by BMW South Africa, concludes the museum.

For more information, visit www.zeitzmocaa.museum. You can also follow Zeitz MOCAA on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor