The ‘Uncut Grass’ Metaphor in Trevor Noah’s New Children’s Book, ‘Into the Uncut Grass’

South African comedian and international superstar, Trevor Noah, published his new book, Into the Uncut Grass, earlier this month. This is his first book in the genre of Storybooks for Children. The title refers to a metaphor in the story, which alludes to “the unknown”, “beyond the boundary” and “outside the comfort zone”. As a person who loves adventure and who has travelled extensively, Noah has created a protagonist who resembles himself in many ways.

The little boy in the book, longs to escape the confines of his home, which he views as restrictive and laden with rules. The boy excitedly makes the decision to run-away from home, with his bear-friend Walter, in search of freedom. This is his opportunity to get away from his mum’s “rules” about household chores and other responsibilities.

As the boy ventures out into the uncut grass, just beyond his home, he meets several interesting characters who teach him the importance of conflict resolution, compromise, and healthy communication. The uncut grass is a place where the boy experiences both excitement and fear. It is a place where he learns to grow and mature. It is in the uncut grass that he begins to question his choices, and wonders whether he should return home to the safety and comfort provided by his mum, or to fulfil his wanderlust by taking the next step into the unknown…