Children of the Quicksands

Age Range: 9 – 12 years

In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi is desperate to uncover a family secret …

‘A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling’ – Katherine Rundell 

‘A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria – glorious! – Jasbinder Bilan

‘A magical adventure in a beautiful setting’ – Sophie Anderson 

‘[A] beautifully evoked story’ – The Telegraph

Simi is sent to stay with her grandmother in a remote village deep in the forests of Nigeria. Witch-like and tight-lipped about the past, her grandmother hints at a tragic family secret – but won’t tell Simi the truth. Simi is desperate to discover it for herself, but it’s only when she’s caught in the red quicksand of a forbidden lake that her adventure truly begins. Along with new friends, Jay and Bubu, Simi must bring her family back together and restore peace to the village.

• A richly imagined magical fantasy adventure set in West Africa by a prize-winning new voice in children’s writing.
• Introduces readers to Yoruba myths and legends whilst showcasing the wealth of culture, traditions, adventure, fun, joy, celebrations, music, pride and love found in Nigeria.
• Beautifully explores themes of grief and belonging.
• Efua Traoré is the winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2018.