Anel Ubbink – ReBOOT Institute

ReLEASE

I believe reading should be taught with patience and care because unlike talking, we aren’t born knowing how to read. Reading unlocks imagination, emotion and expression.

Anel Ubbink studied Foundation Phase Education at Northwest University in Potchefstroom. It was there she discovered her true calling, not just to teach, but to help kids fall head over heels for reading. This spark led her to create Pippa en Pol and Novae Books.

I have had books in my hands for as long as I can remember. Even before I could read, I loved flipping through soft fabric books and cardboard picture books. From the very start, I knew books held a special kind of magic and that creativity would shape my life. I believe reading is a skill we learn step by step through sounds, practice, meaning, and a little bit of guidance. That passion drives everything I do.

Today, Anel writes and whips up all sorts of learning materials, staying connected with eager young readers and teachers. Her love for language and early childhood learning shines through in the books and resources she develops.

She enjoys making all kinds of cool stuff: educational tools, flying and driving kits (tech-free — no cell phones, no iPads), homework books for schools, art boxes for kids and grownups, and anything else where she spots a gap that needs filling.

“A child doesn’t need to start with a whole book. They just need one sound, one picture, one word, one sentence — and the confidence that they can do it.” The brain must figure out how symbols match sounds and create meaning, and that only happens when kids are guided with kindness and encouragement. She believes reading doesn’t start with the alphabet but with sounds — phonics first, not ABC. That’s how the brain begins to crack the reading code.

The ReBOOT team is privileged to have Anel, together with Pippa and Pol, leading the way in inspiring children to ReLEASE their imagination, emotion and authentic self-expression. She also forms part of the StudyStory programme, where she leads the reading initiatives.

Anel lives in Pretoria, happily married to Bert, with two beautiful children who are the ultimate testers of every product that comes through her hands, making them inspiring young minds – curious and creative!