Children of the Quicksands

In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simiis desperate to uncover a family secret ...WINNER OF THE TIMES/CHICKEN HOUSE CHILDREN'SFICTION COMPETITION 2019SHORTLISTED FOR THEWATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 2022'A joy of a book:rich, warm, powerful storytelling' KATHERINERUNDELL'A thrilling adventurebright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria - glorious!' JASBINDERBILAN'An excellent book ... rich in tradition and realism.'HANNAH GOLD, AUTHOR OF THE LAST BEAR'[A] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPHCity girl Simi is sent to stay with her long-lost grandmotherin a remote Nigerian village. There's no TV, internet or phone. Nota single human-made sound can be heard at night, just the noiseof birds and animals rustling in the dark forest outside.Her witchlike grandmother dispenses advice and herbal medicineto the village, but she's tight lipped about their family history.Something must have happened, but what?Determined to find out, Simi disobeys her grandmother and goesexploring. Caught in the sinking red quicksand of a forbidden lake,her fantastical journey begins ... A richly imagined magical fantasy adventure set in WestAfrica by a prize-winning new voice in children's writing.Introduces readers to Yoruba myths and legends whilstshowcasing the wealth of culture, traditions, adventure,fun, joy, celebrations, music, pride and love found inNigeria. Beautifully explores themes of grief and belonging.Efua is the winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize2018. More praise for Children of the Quicksands: 'Gorgeous ... an enthralling story' ABI ELPHINSTONE'[A] terrific debut novel' YABA BADOE'Traoré's storytelling feels almost otherworldly... exhilarating' THE TIMES'A stunning debut' THE SCOTSMAN'Full of secrets and myths' THE OBSERVER