Allan Low
Thank you for visiting my
author website.
I am an independent author.
Thus far I have written stories
for children, which are based
on real life challenges of a
group of orphans in Africa
called The Bundu Bunch.
I believe that the discovery of
different real worlds than
theirs can fire the imaginations
and expand the minds of
children as well as any number
of wizards or amount of magic.
Proceeds from any sales of the books will go to support The
SHAMBA Trust. This is a charity aimed at helping communities
provide quality pre-primary education for their children from poor
HIV/AIDS affected households. www.shambatrust.org
Allan Low
Thank you for visiting my
author website.
I am an independent author.
Thus far I have written stories
for children, which are based
on real life challenges of a
group of orphans in Africa
called The Bundu Bunch.
I believe that the discovery of
different real worlds than
theirs can fire the
imaginations and expand the
minds of children as well as
any number of wizards or
amount of magic.
Proceeds from any sales of the
books will go to support The
SHAMBA Trust. This is a charity
aimed at helping communities
provide quality pre-primary
education for their children
from poor HIV/AIDS affected
households.
www.shambatrust.org
About Allan
After retiring from a career working on development projects in eastern and southern Africa,
Allan set up a charity in Eswatini with his late wife, Anne. The charity works with rural
communities to help them provide high quality early years education to their most vulnerable
children, many of whom are orphans of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Allan continues to run the
charity. He lives in Wetherby, Yorkshire, England.
Click on the blackboard to
view an interview with
Sarah Creeley from
OnlineBookClub
About Allan
About Allan
After retiring from a career working on
development projects in eastern and
southern Africa, Allan set up a charity in
Eswatini with his late wife, Anne. The
charity works with rural communities to
help them provide high quality early years
education to their most vulnerable
children, many of whom are orphans of
the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Allan continues to
run the charity. He lives in Wetherby,
Yorkshire, England.
Click on the blackboard below to view an
interview with Sarah Creeley from
OnlineBookClub
Motivation
‘Hey, Kulu,’ says Sebastian, ‘did you write an actual book?’
This is my grandson, aged nine, picking up a book with my name on it. It is a textbook
about agricultural development in southern Africa. Sebastian flips through the pages, puts
it right back and reverts to a football video on his tablet.
The ‘actual book’ written by grandad had caught Sebastian’s attention, but the
contents could not keep it. That’s when I knew I had to write a book that my
grandchildren and great grandchildren would pick up because it was ‘actually’ written by
grandad, AND might go onto ‘actually’ read some or all of the book because the contents
looked interesting. Better still if the story could capture their imaginations or bring a
memory or a smile or a tear.
Setting up and running preschools with rural communities for their most vulnerable
children exposed me to the reality of the lives of many HIV/AIDS orphans in southern
Africa brought up by grandparents, aunts or fellow orphans. The resiliance of the children
in the community preschools, their eagerness to learn, the gratitude in their smiles and
eyes impressed me greatly.
Hence The Bundu Bunch and the theme of their stories.
Motivation
‘Hey, Kulu,’ says Sebastian, ‘did you write an
actual book?’
This is my grandson, aged nine, picking up
a book with my name on it. It is a textbook
about agricultural development in southern
Africa. Sebastian flips through the pages, puts
it right back and reverts to a football video on
his tablet.
The ‘actual book’ written by grandad had
caught Sebastian’s attention, but the contents
could not keep it. That’s when I knew I had to
write a book that my grandchildren and great
grandchildren would pick up because it was
‘actually’ written by grandad, AND might go
onto ‘actually’ read some or all of the book
because the contents looked interesting.
Better still if the story could capture their
imaginations or bring a memory or a smile or
a tear.
Setting up and running preschools with rural
communities for their most vulnerable
children exposed me to the reality of the lives
of many HIV/AIDS orphans in southern Africa
brought up by grandparents, aunts or fellow
orphans. The resiliance of the children in the
community preschools, their eagerness to
learn, the gratitude in their smiles and eyes
impressed me greatly.
Hence The Bundu Bunch and the
theme of their stories.
Living with gogo (grandma)
brings malnutrition and
neglect, poor housing,
labourous daily chores and
little or no early learning
opportunities.
Orphans’ lives
Mouse over or tap here to read
an observation from the field
An Unforgettable Encounter
During the time in my country, when people were seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, I went with Cabrini Ministry staff to visit orphaned children. Not only was it a sorry sight to witness their poor homesteads, but to find that a mere 12- year-old was the head of the house, was unbearable. Making matters worse, the stigma of the HIV virus was so prevalent at the time. The orphans felt divorced from their community. Father Ncamiso Vilakati, Eswatini
Orphans’ lives
Living with gogo (grandma) brings
malnutrition and neglect, poor
housing, labourous daily chores
and little or no early learning
opportunities.
Mouse over or tap here to read
an observation from the
field
An Unforgettable Encounter
During the time in my country, when people were seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, I went with Cabrini Ministry staff to visit orphaned children. Not only was it a sorry sight to witness their poor homesteads, but to find that a mere 12-year-old was the head of the house, was unbearable. Making matters worse, the stigma of the HIV virus was so prevalent at the time. The orphans felt divorced from their community. Father Ncamiso Vilakati, Eswatini
click to go to store links for purchase of
paperback or e-book
After losing their parents to the AIDS pandemic in southern Africa,
Sipho and his fellow orphans are shunned by their community.
They are prevented from attending school. They are called
“dumb” by peers and elders alike. Without an education, their
prospects of escaping poverty are slim. Enter Aiyasha, the fifteen-
year-old head of the orphan household. Aiyash uses her special
talent to ensure her orphan charges receive the education they
crave. But Aiyasha has a wider agenda: to promote social justice
in her country where orphans will no longer have the “dumb”
label attached to them.
A very touching and inspiring storyline, enhanced with some beautifully evocative descriptions and imagery,
which ends on a positive and uplifting note. The Writers’ Advice Centre for Children’s Books
An overall positive tale of family support, teamwork and working hard to overcome obstacles. Illustrations
depicting key scenes allow an easy way to introduce younger readers to topics such as poverty, international aid,
immigration and refugees LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
Thought-provoking, moving, and instructive—a great read for the classroom or for home. The Children's Book
Review
A masterful blend of social commentary and storytelling. Jeyran
There were tears in my eyes in many passages. Denise
I loved the comedic relief, it never failed to make me smile. Candra
Written for young audiences, but I truly loved it as a 42 year old. Amanda
click to go to store links for
purchase of
paperback or e-book
After losing their parents to the AIDS
pandemic in southern Africa, Sipho and his
fellow orphans are shunned by their
community. They are prevented from
attending school. They are called “dumb” by
peers and elders alike. Without an education,
their prospects of escaping poverty are slim.
Enter Aiyasha, the fifteen-year-old head of
the orphan household. Aiyash uses her special
talent to ensure her orphan charges receive
the education they crave. But Aiyasha has a
wider agenda: to promote social justice in her
country where orphans will no longer have the
“dumb” label attached to them.
A very touching and inspiring storyline, enhanced with
some beautifully evocative descriptions and imagery,
which ends on a positive and uplifting note. The
Writers’ Advice Centre for Children’s Books
An overall positive tale of family support, teamwork
and working hard to overcome obstacles. Illustrations
depicting key scenes allow an easy way to introduce
younger readers to topics such as poverty, international
aid, immigration and refugees LoveReading4Kids
Ambassador
Thought-provoking, moving, and instructive—a great
read for the classroom or for home. The Children's
Book Review
A masterful blend of social commentary and
storytelling. Jeyran
There were tears in my eyes in many passages. Denise
I loved the comedic relief, it never failed to make me
smile. Candra
Written for young audiences, but I truly loved it as a 42
year old. Amanda
click to go to links for purchase of
paperback or e-book
Sipho feels sad and ashamed.
Sad because he has no family to
belong to any more.
Ashamed because he cannot write his
name like other children can.
Sadness and shame turn to joy and
pride in the first of this series of
inspiring stories based on the real
lives of AIDS orphans in southern
Africa.
This is the type of book to clutch to your chest after reading. You’ll want to hug it (and them) after
knowing all The Bundu Bunch have gone through and what they can still achieve in the face of it. The
story is about as impactful as it comes. If you and your kids are ready to talk about loss, aloneness,
togetherness, and the importance of claiming a name, you’re going to want to choose the right book.
You’re going to want to choose this one. Independent Book Review.
An inspirational story of overcoming the odds, which will leave you with a positive, hopeful feeling.
LoveReading4Kids Ambassador.
This story hits close to home for many who live in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a hugely insightful book for
children of any age. Reader Views Kids
Sipho feels sad and ashamed.
Sad because he has no family to belong
to any more.
Ashamed because he cannot write his
name like other children can.
Sadness and shame turn to joy and
pride in the first of this series of
inspiring stories based on the real lives
of AIDS orphans in southern Africa.
This is the type of book to clutch to your chest
after reading. You’ll want to hug it (and them)
after knowing all The Bundu Bunch have gone
through and what they can still achieve in the face
of it. The story is about as impactful as it comes. If
you and your kids are ready to talk about loss,
aloneness, togetherness, and the importance of
claiming a name, you’re going to want to choose
the right book. You’re going to want to choose this
one. Independent Book Review.
An inspirational story of overcoming the odds,
which will leave you with a positive, hopeful
feeling. LoveReading4Kids Ambassador.
This story hits close to home for many who live in
Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a hugely insightful book for
children of any age. Reader Views Kids
click for purchase
options
click for purchase options
Two wrongs are done to the
Bundu Bunch.
One plan could put right both
wrongs.
Is it the right thing to do?
Will it work as intended?
I dare you not to love these kids. Whether you’re coming to this book on its own or have had the
privilege of reading that great first book, you’re going to love following these brave, big-hearted little
people. Independent Book Review.
I loved the illustrations in this book. It’s a joy to view the expressions on the people’s faces and the
gentle colours used. Each page only has a few sentences, but the words tell the story effectively and
impactfully. This is a sweet story about justice, standing up for yourself, resourcefulness and making a
plan, teamwork, promoting awareness and kindness in how we treat others, all the while destigmatizing
the way AIDS orphans are viewed. LoveReading4Kids.
Two wrongs are done to the
Bundu Bunch.
One plan could put right both
wrongs.
Is it the right thing to do?
Will it work as intended?
I dare you not to love these kids. Whether you’re
coming to this book on its own or have had the
privilege of reading that great first book, you’re
going to love following these brave, big-hearted
little people. Independent Book Review.
I loved the illustrations in this book. It’s a joy to
view the expressions on the people’s faces and the
gentle colours used. Each page only has a few
sentences, but the words tell the story effectively
and impactfully. This is a sweet story about
justice, standing up for yourself, resourcefulness
and making a plan, teamwork, promoting
awareness and kindness in how we treat others,
all the while destigmatizing the way AIDS orphans
are viewed. LoveReading4Kids.
click for purchase
options
out in December 2024
The Bundu Bunch orphans need to
keep their new discovery a secret
from their arch-enemy, Samu.
When Samu gets into trouble while
trying to uncover their secret, the
orphans respond quickly. The way
they act has surprising and salutary
consequences.
Please read and send a review
The Bundu Bunch Series
book 3
The Bundu Bunch Get a Surprise
Please read and send a review
out in December 2024
The Bundu Bunch Series
Book 3
The Bundu Bunch Get a Surprise
The Bundu Bunch orphans need to keep
their new discovery a secret from their
arch-enemy, Samu.
When Samu gets into trouble while
trying to uncover their secret, the
orphans respond quickly. The way they
act has surprising and salutary
consequences.
“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy
BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER 2024
PROMOTIONAL INTERVIEW FOR BOOK OF THE MONTH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
The Bundu Bunch Picture Book series
“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu
Bunch Trilogy
BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER 2024
PROMOTIONAL INTERVIEW FOR BOOK OF THE
MONTH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
The Bundu Bunch Picture Book
series
Frequently asked question:
Did the Bundu Bunch orphans really exist?
The World Food Programme has called one country in
Southern Africa “the country of orphans”:
“Eswatini has the World’s highest HIV rate, leaving 58% of
children orphans and vulnerable.”
AND in that country many orphans look after themselves.
During the time in my country, when people were seriously affected by
the HIV/AIDS pandemic, I went to visit orphaned children. Not only was it
a sorry sight to witness their poor homesteads, but to find that a mere 12-
year-old was the head of the house was unbearable. Making matters
worse, the stigma of the HIV virus was so prevalent at the time. The
orphans felt divorced from their community.
So, YES. There have been many Bundu Bunch like orphan groups. Many still exist.
Frequently asked question:
Did the Bundu Bunch orphans really exist?
The World Food Programme has called one
country in Southern Africa “the country of
orphans”:
“Eswatini has the World’s highest HIV rate,
leaving 58% of children orphans and
vulnerable.”
AND in that country many orphans look
after themselves.
During the time in my country, when people
were seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS
pandemic, I went to visit orphaned children.
Not only was it a sorry sight to witness their
poor homesteads, but to find that a mere 12-
year-old was the head of the house was
unbearable. Making matters worse, the
stigma of the HIV virus was so prevalent at
the time. The orphans felt divorced from
their community.
So, YES. There have been many Bundu
Bunch like orphan groups. Many still exist.
Picture book prequels to “Dumb Orphans
The Bundu Bunch series of picture books introduces younger readers to the world of
orphans in southern Africa and to some of the members of The Bundu Bunch. These
picture books constitute a prequel to “Dumb” Orphans. Emerging readers can go on to
discover how the characters in the picture books make out and what happens to them
by reading the novel “Dumb” Orphans.
Picture book prequels to “Dumb
Orphans
The Bundu Bunch series of picture books
introduces younger readers to the world of
orphans in southern Africa and to some of the
members of The Bundu Bunch. These picture
books constitute a prequel to “Dumb”
Orphans. Emerging readers can go on to
discover how the characters in the picture
books make out and what happens to them by
reading the novel “Dumb” Orphans.
“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy
STORE LINKS for paperback and e-book
Amazon UK Amazon USA KOBO
York Publishing Services
Waterstones
Barnes and Noble
The Bundu Bunch Picture Book series
“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu
Bunch Trilogy
STORE LINKS for paperback and e-book
Amazon UK Amazon USA KOBO
York Publishing Services
Waterstones
Barnes and Noble
The Bundu Bunch Picture Book
series
Author:
allan.low@shambatrust.org
Printed by:
www.yps-publishing.co.uk/
Book orders:
https://yorkbookshop.com
Proceeds from book sales go to The SHAMBA Trust
www.shambatrust.org
Author:
allan.low@shambatrust.org
Printed by:
www.yps-publishing.co.uk/
Book orders:
https://yorkbookshop.com
Proceeds from book sales go
to The SHAMBA Trust
www.shambatrust.org