Children of the Quicksands by Efua Traore (author)

In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi
is desperate to uncover a family secret …
WINNER OF THETIMES/CHICKENHOUSE CHILDREN’S
FICTIONCOMPETITION 2019

SHORTLISTEDFORTHE
WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOKPRIZE 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.’
HANNAHGOLD, AUTHOR OF THELASTBEAR

‘[A] beautifully evoked story’ THETELEGRAPH

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’ ABIELPHINSTONE

‘[A] terrific debut novel’ YABABADOE

’Traore’s storytelling feels almost otherworldly
… exhilarating’ THETIMES

‘A stunning debut’ THESCOTSMAN

‘Full of secrets and myths’ THEOBSERVER