The Magic Callaloo

By Trish Cooke

Illustrated by Sophie Bass

Brilliantly told and sumptuously illustrated, The Magic Callaloo is based on the fairy-tale "Rapunzel" and inspired by stories of enslaved Africans.

By the celebrated author of So Much "Master storyteller Trish Cooke is in top form with this vibrant story of community, magic, love and family that's bursting with life and colour." Dapo Adeola Long ago and far away, a magic callaloo plant grew in a village square. Whoever ate one of its leaves was granted a wish. But a greedy selfish man wanted all the wishes for himself so he stole the callaloo. With only one leaf left, Mister and Missus, desperate for a child, pluck it to make their dream come true. But the greedy man wants everything and he kidnaps their beloved daughter, who will ultimately make the most remarkable escape. Trish Cooke says, “The Magic Callaloo pays homage to my ancestors and the roads they walked to freedom.”

Categories: Picture Books

For readers aged: 3+

Publication details:
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781529504880
Published: 04 Apr 2024
Price: £12.99

Size: 290 x 210 mm
Pages: 32

More to explore...

More books for age 3+

Customer reviews

Reviews

'This book is truly magical.' Juno

'This fairy-tale, set-in Bass’ vibrant, technicolour landscape, is a captivating celebration of family, community, love and Black hair from the author of the beloved picture book So Much. While The Magic Callaloo will still appeal to Cooke’s youngest fans, this text-heavy story will also be read by independent readers aged five and up. Simply gorgeous.' The Bookseller

'Superbly woven story, which is magnificently embroidered by Sophie Bass’s illustrations of dragons, wild and domesticated creatures, and fantastical plants – a veritable feast for the eyes executed in a kaleidoscope of colours.' Books for Keeps

'With themes of longing, captivity and escape, Trish Cooke’s wonderfully woven tale is impressively embroidered with Sophie Bass’s art, which includes a wealth of flora and fauna in kaleidoscopic colours making every turn of the page a visual feast.' Red Reading Hub

Write your own review

First name:Age:

By submitting a review you grant us the right to display and use it in any way; please read our General Legal Notices for full details. If you are under 16, please obtain your parent/guardian’s permission before submitting or ask your parent/guardian to submit on your behalf.