Children of the Quicksands

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize Younger Readers Prize 2022

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

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.

• Publisher: Chicken House Ltd
• ISBN: 9781913322366
• Number of pages: 288
• Weight: 220g
• Dimensions: 198 x 135 x 21 mm