From the critically acclaimed author of Children of the Quicksands - shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize - comes a breathtaking magical adventure ... Kuki refuses to believe in the curse of the Abiku. Her destiny is not to die young!Her biggest problem right now is moving house and fitting in at her new school.One evening while exploring, Kuki spies a driveway lined with giant palm trees. It leads to an abandoned beach house of shadows and scattered sea shells. And in the fading light, she meets a girl called Enilo.They become friends - the best of friends.Until Kuki makes a terrifying discovery ... The second novel by Times/Chicken House Competition-winning Efua Traore, author of critically acclaimed Children of the Quicksands A beautifully evoked middle-grade adventure set in the author's native Nigeria and drawing from rich Yoruba mythology A story about the power of female friendship over fear and superstition PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS: '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] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPH 'Traore's storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating' THE TIMES

Jomi’s Mum left him to find their destiny in Lagos. Now, Jomi and his friendly bush baby follow her – but their only starting place is a TV dance competition his mum used to love.

If Jomi and his new Lagos friends can get on that TV show, then maybe Jomi’s mum will see him and they can find their destiny together ...

In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi is desperate to uncover a family secret ... WINNER OF THE TIMES/CHICKEN HOUSE CHILDREN'S FICTION COMPETITION 2019 SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 2022 'A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling' KATHERINE RUNDELL 'A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria - glorious!' JASBINDER BILAN 'An excellent book ... rich in tradition and realism.' HANNAH GOLD, AUTHOR OF THE LAST BEAR '[A] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPH City girl Simi is sent to stay with her long-lost grandmother in a remote Nigerian village. There's no TV, internet or phone. Not a single human-made sound can be heard at night, just the noise of birds and animals rustling in the dark forest outside. Her witchlike grandmother dispenses advice and herbal medicine to 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 goes exploring. Caught in the sinking red quicksand of a forbidden lake, her fantastical journey begins ... 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 is the winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2018. More praise for Children of the Quicksands: 'Gorgeous ... an enthralling story' ABI ELPHINSTONE '[A] terrific debut novel' YABA BADOE 'Traore's storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating' THE TIMES 'A stunning debut' THE SCOTSMAN 'Full of secrets and myths' THE OBSERVER