Biography
Jaco Jacobs (born February 22, 1980) is a prominent South African author. He is best known for writing children’s books. As an author, he writes most of his works in Afrikaans.
The prolific author has written over one hundred and seventy books. Most of his works have sold over a million in South Africa and beyond. Let’s find out about this iconic writer, his work, and his personal life.
Jaco Jacobs 
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Jaco Jacobs |
| Born: | February 22, 1980 (age 43 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Carnarvon, Northern Cape |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | BA Communication Science (2002) BA Afrikaans and Dutch (2005) |
| Alma mater: | University of the Free State |
| Occupation: | Author |
| Spouse • Wife: | Elize |
| Children: | Mia • Emma |
| Popular for: | over 170 books |
| Profiles: | |
| Award: | Scheepers Prize for Youth Literature (2019) C.P. Hoogenhout Award |
| First publication: | Troetelgedrog (2001) |
Early Life
Jaco Jacobs was born on February 22, 1980, in Carnarvon, the Northern Cape, the largest province of South Africa. The writer spent his childhood in the remote town of the Karoo, a semi-desert natural region of South Africa.
Growing up, his exposure to books made him fall in love with them. He then began to exhibit his talent in writing at age seven and as he studied in school. He has entered and participated in many competitions as an author.
The iconic writer wrote his first children’s book – Pretpark – while he was in high school. His grandfather loved to tell stories while his grandmother taught them old nursery rhymes.
Education
Jaco holds a B.A. Communication Science degree. He completed with honors in Afrikaans and Dutch literature at the University of the Free State.
Career
Jaco Jacobs is a writer with many years of experience. He has written over one hundred and seventy books for children and young adults. He also put the young at heart in mind while writing.
Some of his books have some fictitious characters like Lize Roux and Tania Brink.
His dedication, talent, and hard work have earned him recognition from notable bodies at home and abroad.
One of his novels for young adults, Suurlemoen!, made it to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) WHAT WHAT Book in 2007.
A movie adaptation of the novel was shown in South African cinemas in 2014.
His works, Oor ‘n motorfiets, ‘n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan, got adapted into a feature film titled Nul is nie niks nie in 2017.
More of his works has continued to gain recognition abroad. A novel he wrote for young adults titled ‘n Goeie dag vir boomklim was among the winners of In Other Words competition.
The book A Good Day for Climbing Trees, published in Italian by Rizzoli Libri, got listed for the Carnegie Medal. His works have also appeared in many articles for magazines and columns.
Aside from writing fresh content, he has also translated over two hundred and fifty English and Dutch books to Afrikaans. His skillful translation has earned several awards.
Jaco bagged the Elsabe Steenberg Prize for children’s book translation for translating Chris Riddell’s Ottoline and the Yellow Cat. He was also the recipient of the SATI Prize for the translation of children’s books.
Personal Life
Jaco Jacobs is a proud father to his children and a loving husband to his wife, Elize Jacobs. They are proud parents of two lovely daughters – Mia Jacobs and Emma Jacobs.
Jacobs does not engage in things that involve climbing and is afraid of heights. The writer cannot knot the tie properly but enjoys the meal – Lasagne.
The author and his family, his wife and daughters, live in Bloemfontein, South Africa. They have a pet python, three dogs, and a cat.
Social Profiles
Jaco Jacobs is active in many social media communities and updates followers with work progress, achievements, and highlights.
Books
- A Good Day for Climbing Trees
- Suurlemoen!
- Oor ‘n motorfiets, ‘n zombiefliek en lang getalle wat deur elf gedeel kan word
- Perfek
- Vis & tjips
- Dinge wat ek nie van skape geweet het nie
- Virus
- Toulopers: verse vir tieners
- Verlief
- Tande
- Eks Mal Oor Jou
- 13 Spookstories
- Nog 13 Spookstories
- Wurms met Tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies
- Liewe Land, ‘N Olifant: Afrikaans
- Spaghetti tussen jou tone
- Gevaarlike lopies – CAPS
- Moenie hierdie boek eet nie!
- My boetie dink hy is Batman
- Zackie Mostert en die Gemaskerde Groen Gevaar
- Kougom in my hare
- Superboetie
- Zackie Mostert en die ongelooflike kulkunsie
- ‘n Brulpadda in my tas
- Sterkykers: gedigte vir tieners
- Draakasem
- My ouma is ‘n rockster
- SKWIEK
- Middernagfees
- Zackie Mostert en die super-aaklige soen
Net Worth
Veteran children’s book author Jaco Jacobs has been writing for many years. His vast knowledge and experience with children’s books have earned him a fortune. He has an estimated net worth of R17 million as of August 2022.
Awards
| Award | Work |
|---|---|
| C.P. Hoogenhout Award, 2006-2007 | Wurms met tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies |
| Alba Bouwer Prize, 2007 | Wurms met tamatiesous en ander lawwe rympies |
| Tienie Holloway Medal, 2018 | Grom! |
| Scheepers Prize for Youth Literature, 2019 | Dinge wat ek nie van skape geweet het nie |
| Alba Bouwer Prize, 2019 | Moenie hierdie boek eet nie |