About the Author

See why families everywhere are falling in love with The Hollander’s Cat.

There’s something truly special about the way these stories balance gentle life lessons with warmth, wit, and charm. - Gideon

Josephine Pieters is a South African author and the creative mind behind The Hollander’s Cat, a children’s book series that blends adventure, imagination, and life lessons. Her stories encourage curiosity, empathy, courage, and resilience, helping children grow emotionally while developing a love for reading.

Inspired by her father-in-law’s storytelling, Josephine discovered the joy of crafting tales and set out to bring her feline adventures to life. With a Master’s Degree in Corporate Communications and ongoing doctoral studies, she combines academic insight with creativity, producing books that are both engaging and thoughtfully designed.

Many of Josephine’s stories are rooted in South Africa, offering authentic cultural experiences while exploring universal themes that resonate with children everywhere. Her work fosters imagination, thoughtfulness, and critical thinking, already making a meaningful impact on young readers.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation of writers – especially black girls and girls of colour – Josephine shows that with determination and creativity, any dream is possible. She hopes her books encourage children to explore their own voices, share their stories, and believe in their potential.

Josephine is available for book fairs, school visits, workshops, readings, and international literary events, where she connects with readers, educators, and literary communities worldwide. Through her work, she continues to champion the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of reading.

An interview with Josephine

Storytelling lives where curiosity and courage meet – and that’s the heart of The Hollander’s Cat. In this conversation, the author talks about growing up in a reading household, shaping life lessons into playful adventures, and why children’s imaginations deserve stories that challenge and delight in equal measure.

What sparked your journey into children’s writing?

I grew up in a house of readers. My mum and dad encouraged all kinds of books, but I was drawn to adventure – anything that stretched my imagination. The Hollander’s Cat began with a family visit when my father-in-law told a story about a cat. It stuck with me. That tale became the spark, not just for the first book, but for a series that celebrates curiosity and encourages children to read as a way to empower themselves – even before they start school.

Where do your story ideas come from – real experiences or imagination?

Both, always. The books are about relationships, experiences, adventure and the life lessons that shape us. I want young readers to enjoy themselves and also see that choices have consequences. The “nine lives” idea maps to opportunities in life: the cat faces challenges, leans on friends, learns, and keeps going with passion. Children already imagine beyond what they know; my vision is to channel that into stories that inspire reading and being the change they want to see.

Tell us about your education. How has it influenced your writing?

I hold a Master’s in Corporate Communications from the University of the Free State, where I focused on telling stories that both enlighten and teach. I’m now pursuing a PhD in Information Technology at the University of Pretoria. Much of my work relates to mining communities, so I’m interested in how stories can spark genuine motivation and positive change. Education taught me there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – you have to think wider than your own experience.

How did your life before writing influence your children’s stories?

I’m a mother, wife, daughter, sister and aunt. Finding balance across those roles has shown me how complex and generous people can be. We give, we share, we learn, and we keep going. When I write, I often ask: if I were reading this to my child, would it matter? Would it spark their imagination and keep them turning the page? That test keeps the stories honest.

What’s the best and hardest part of writing for children?

I love the first burst of ideas – pairing words with images and imagining how the illustrations will carry the story. You can’t over-analyse children’s stories like an adult would – you have to step into a child’s world and write what will delight and make sense to them, especially when a life lesson sits inside the plot. The hardest part is managing idea overload. Not every good idea belongs in the same book. You need to keep the reader in mind – clutter creates confusion.

Are your books more about lessons or imagination?

Both. The lessons are real – many readers have lived something similar – but the stories are playful and imaginative. In Fire on the Mountain, for example, Sam’s good intentions lead to unintended outcomes. Children see how choices ripple out and affect others. I often hear young readers reflect: if I were the cat’s friend, what would I do – and would it be the right call?

Can schools, libraries, or parents book you for readings or events?

Absolutely. I love bringing stories to life in front of children. I’ve done readings at ECD centres – including a Mandela Day event at Kidz & Crayonz – and I build in questions, simple role play, puzzles and colouring activities. The kids light up, parents often join in, and it turns into a shared experience. I’m happy to visit schools, libraries or private events. Storytelling has deep roots in Africa – keeping that flame for reading alive matters to me.

Any new themes coming, and would you like The Hollander’s Cat to make it on screen?

More adventures, more friends, more lessons. The series will run to nine books – one for each of the cat’s lives. And yes, I’d love to bring the stories to screen as an animated series. We’re also launching a YouTube channel so readers can meet the cat in new ways and join the fun beyond the page.

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About the Author

There’s something truly special about the way these stories balance gentle life lessons with warmth, wit, and charm. - Gideon

An interview with Josephine

What sparked your journey into children’s writing?

Where do your story ideas come from – real experiences or imagination?

Tell us about your education. How has it influenced your writing?

How did your life before writing influence your children’s stories?

What’s the best and hardest part of writing for children?

Are your books more about lessons or imagination?

Can schools, libraries, or parents book you for readings or events?

Any new themes coming, and would you like The Hollander’s Cat to make it on screen?

“Storytelling has deep roots in Africa – keeping that flame for reading alive matters to me.”

Five Tales, Endless Adventure

The Hollander’s Cat

Fire on the Mountain

Who Started the Fire?

Milk and Vegetables

Things and Friends

Complete Hollander’s Cat Collection

The Hollander’s Cat

The Collection

Links

International Orders