When Ndimenhle Bungane penned her first children’s book, she created the dream world of Dreamlandia where eight children journeyed to explore future possibilities and what potential careers awaited them when they grew older. In an interview with the author, it became clear how she realised her dreams of writing this children’s book and what she dreams the book will help children with.
What inspired you to write this particular children’s book?
“I remember being a child and constantly changing my answer to, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For the longest time, I wanted to be a doctor—I was so sure that was my path. Then, I fell in love with creative arts and drama, though that phase was short-lived. My dad had his own dreams for me and really wanted me to become an actuarial scientist. Later, I became fascinated by architecture, imagining myself designing beautiful spaces. Eventually, I found my way to psychology, which truly resonated with me. One thing I deeply appreciate is that my parents never dismissed my interests. They allowed me to explore every passion and did their best to expose me to opportunities that made them feel real and tangible. As much as they could, they supported my curiosity and dreams, helping me see the possibilities before making my own choices. Looking back, I realise how valuable that was—I had the freedom to imagine different futures for myself. That’s where the idea for Dream Big, Little Explorer came from. I wanted to create something that would introduce children to different careers in a way that felt engaging and accessible.”
How did you decide which careers to include in your book, and why did you think these careers are important for kids to know about?
“I wanted to showcase a mix of traditional careers and those that reflect where the world is heading. It was important to me that every child reading the book could see themselves in at least one of the roles, regardless of gender. I made sure not to ascribe certain careers to specific genders, allowing children to see that there’s no limit to what they can achieve based on who they are. I included careers that have long been part of our communities—ones that are familiar and essential—while also introducing a coder to highlight the importance of being future-fit. My goal was to create a balance, showing kids that every career path has value and that the world is full of possibilities waiting for them to explore.”
Why do you think it’s important for kids to explore different career options and to dream big from a young age?
“Childhood is the time when everything still feels possible. Before the world tells them what they can or cannot do, I want children to see all the options available to them. Dreaming big means they give themselves permission to explore, to make mistakes, to try new things and that’s how they find out what truly excites them.”
Can you share any personal experiences or role models that inspired your own dreams or career ideas?
“I had teachers who encouraged my love for storytelling, and I had family members who, even when they didn’t always understand my dreams, supported me anyway. But when I think about the people who shaped my journey, I can’t help but think of my parents. My father, a lawyer with his own practice, ran his business with such responsibility and dedication. Growing up, I saw him carry the weight of that responsibility, and though I didn’t fully grasp the significance at the time, the way he handled it was nothing short of inspiring. I now see how his example fueled my entrepreneurial spirit and deepened my appreciation for the corporate world. My mother, on the other hand, was a teacher who took a break from her career to focus on building a home for us. The love and energy she devoted to our development opened me up to countless possibilities. Her role as a teacher, and the nurturing environment she created for me, played a huge part in shaping my passion for education. These experiences shaped me, and I hope to pass on that same sense of encouragement and possibility to the children who read my book. Just like my parents believed in me, I want every child to know that they have the power to achieve great things, no matter the path they choose.”
What advice would you give to children who might feel unsure about what they want to do in the future? Why should they keep exploring different possibilities?
“It’s okay not to have all the answers right away. The future is a journey, not a destination. Keep trying new things, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to change your mind. Every experience teaches you something valuable, even if it’s just learning what you don’t want to do. The most important thing is to never stop exploring because the possibilities are endless.”
What do you hope children will learn or feel when they read your book?
“I hope they feel inspired and know that there’s no one “right” path to follow. I want them to understand that their dreams are valid, no matter how big or small, and that every child, regardless of their background, deserves to imagine a future full of possibility. I want them to feel excited about the future, to ask questions, and to start exploring where their passions might take them. Most of all, I hope they feel a deep sense of belonging, knowing that they are capable of achieving great things. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of this journey; every child should see themselves represented and feel empowered to chase their dreams.”
Do you believe that dreaming big can help children achieve their goals?
“Absolutely! Dreaming big is the first step to achieving anything. Kids can start by being curious—asking questions, reading books, meeting people in different professions, and trying new activities. Exposure is key. The more they see and learn about different possibilities, the easier it becomes to imagine themselves in those spaces.”
Ndimenhle Bungane is one such author that shows there are vast range of career options available and the more we allow children to explore the different career paths available at their finger tips, the more we encourage them that they don’t just need to be restricted to one particular career path when they grow older.