Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found

Twelve year old, Amira has spent her life on a dhow, Tigerheart. with her two mothers and her best friend, Nimur, a jinni in cat form. When a storm damages Tigerheart, Amira is excited for the chance to explore the souk and help sell the potions her sea-witch mothers brew. On land, she meets Leo, who also has a dinni, a fish called Semek and learns that, although magic has always been part of her life, many are scared of it. When a mysterious storm begins and Namur goes missing, Amira sets off on a voyage of discovery.

Beautifully constructed, Amira’s world is full of detail, colour and life. Her home on the dhow with her mothers, the souk and streets of Failaka, each place she visits on her voyage are all lovingly described and full of sights, smells, sounds- details that really bring them to life. It is an exotic world, layered with stories, secrets and magic, inspired by the tales of the Arabian Nights.

The characters are equally well developed with relationships and emotions at the heart of the story. The importance of recognising and understanding feelings rather than quashing or denying them is skilfully managed and for all the magic, each character is very ‘real’. It is refreshing to read a story for this age group in which periods are openly discussed.

‘Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found’ is an excellent read, full of action and adventure and with the promise of more to come in future stories.

Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found Aisha Bushby, illustrated by Rachel Dean

Egmont ISBN: 978-1405293211

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

I am Every Good Thing

Bursting with positivity, ‘I Am Every Good Thing’ is a joyful declaration of potential and possibility. Full of metaphors, it is a book which encourages its readers to celebrate every positive thing about themselves and could easily be the inspiration for some fabulous writing about all the facets and foibles which make us each unique.

Through the text, children learn they can be curious, brave, successful, loving, polite and vulnerable. The illustrations are of black boys shown at work and at play, with family and friends, thoughtful and alone, making a very positive and affirming statement. However, this is a text which should be shared with all everyone. It is a book which all can see themselves reflected and feel valued whilst offering plenty to reflect on and discuss.

Although I am something like a superhero, every now and then, I am afraid

I am not what they might call me, and I will not answer to any name that is not my own.

I am what I say I am.

And without a shadow of a doubt, I am worthy to be loved.

What a fabulous, unequivocal message to be sharing. ‘I am Every Good Thing’ is an essential addition to every bookshelf, everywhere.

I am Every Good Thing Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C James

Farshore ISBN: 978-0755502707