29 Interesting Facts about Jaco Jacobs

Dan April 16, 2023

Jaco Jacobs is a well-known South African children’s author and playwright, born in Bloemfontein in 1960. He has written over 130 books for children, which have been translated into several languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu. Jacobs has won numerous awards for his writing, including the South African Children’s Book Award and the M.E.R. Prize for Youth Literature.

Jacobs is known for his ability to capture the imagination of young readers through his engaging storytelling and relatable characters. He often writes about the experiences of children growing up in South Africa, addressing themes such as family, friendship, and identity. Jacobs’ writing is both humorous and poignant, and he has a talent for creating stories that resonate with readers of all ages.

In addition to his work as an author, Jacobs is also a playwright and has written several plays for children and adults. His plays have been performed in South Africa and internationally, and he has received critical acclaim for his contributions to South African theatre.

Do you want to know more about Jaco Jacobs? Let’s take a look at these 29 interesting facts about Jaco Jacobs.

1. Jaco Jacobs was born on September 15, 1960, in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
2. He grew up in a family of seven children and was the second youngest.
3. Jacobs started writing stories when he was just 9 years old.
4. He initially studied music at university but later changed to Afrikaans and Dutch literature.
5. Jacobs worked as a high school teacher for several years before becoming a full-time writer.
6. He has written over 130 books for children and young adults.
7. Jacobs has won numerous literary awards in South Africa, including the M.E.R. Prize for Youth Literature and the South African Children’s Book Award.
8. His books have been translated into several languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.
9. Jacobs is known for his humorous and relatable storytelling style.
10. He often writes about the experiences of children growing up in South Africa.
11. Jacobs’ work addresses themes such as family, friendship, and identity.
12. He is particularly popular among young readers and has a large following in South Africa.
13. Jacobs’ book “Hierdie is geen dag vir kabouters” was adapted into a film in 2019.
14. He has also written several plays for children and adults.
15. Jacobs has collaborated with other South African writers, including Annelie Botes and Antjie Krog.
16. He has served as a judge for several literary awards, including the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature.
17. Jacobs is a regular speaker at literary festivals in South Africa.
18. He has also given talks and workshops on writing for children and young adults.
19. Jacobs is a member of the South African Academy for Science and Art.
20. In 2013, he was awarded the Molteno Medal for his contributions to Afrikaans literature.
21. Jacobs is a keen runner and has completed several marathons.
22. He enjoys reading books on history and science.
23. Jacobs is a collector of old typewriters and has a collection of over 30 machines.
24. He is married and has two children.
25. Jacobs is a dog lover and has a Jack Russell terrier named Jack.
26. He enjoys listening to classical music and jazz.
27. Jacobs has a passion for teaching and has mentored several young writers.
28. He believes that reading and writing are essential for personal growth and development.
29. Jacobs continues to write and publish new books, and his work remains popular among readers of all ages.

Jaco Jacobs is a highly accomplished and celebrated South African author, known for his engaging and relatable storytelling style. With over 130 books to his name, Jacobs has made a significant contribution to South African literature, particularly in the realm of children’s and young adult fiction. His work addresses important themes such as family, friendship, and identity, and his humorous and poignant writing style has captured the hearts of readers of all ages. Jacobs’ numerous literary awards and accolades are a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft of writing. Overall, Jaco Jacobs is a literary icon in South Africa and a beloved figure among readers worldwide.