About the Author\nEfua Traoré is a Nigerian-German author who grew up in a small town in Nigeria. For as long as she can remember, her head was filled with little stories, but it was not until much later that she began to write them down. Children of the Quicksands is her debut novel.\nA richly imagined magical adventure set in West Africa by a prize-winning new voice in children's writing, Children of the Quicksands introduces readers to Yoruba myths and legends while showcasing the wealth of culture, traditions, adventure, joy, pride, and love found in Nigeria.\nIn a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi is desperate to uncover a family secret. Ajao is nothing like Lagos -- no cells phones, no running water or electricity. 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?\nDetermined to find out, Simi disobeys her grandmother and goes exploring only to find herself sinking in the red quicksand of a forbidden lake and into the strange parallel world that lies beneath. It must have been a dream… right?\nWrong. Something isn’t right. Children are disappearing and it’s up to Simi to discover the truth.

Children of the Quicksands

Children's Books

Traoré, Efua

Action & Adventure

Chicken House

In a remote Nigerian village, thirteen-year-old Simi is desperate to uncover a family secret ...\nWINNER OF THE 2019 TIMES/CHICKEN HOUSE CHILDREN'S FICTION COMPETITION 
'A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling' KATHERINE RUNDELL\n'A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria – glorious!' JASBINDER BILAN\n'A magical adventure in a beautiful setting' SOPHIE ANDERSON\n'[A] beautifully evoked story' THE TELEGRAPH\nCity 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 
'Traoré’s storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating' THE TIMES 
'A stunning debut' THE SCOTSMAN 
'Full of secrets and myths' THE OBSERVER

Children of the Quicksands: winner of the Times Children's Fiction Competition

Literature & Fiction

Les enfants des sables mouvants

MICHEL LAFON

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Books by Traoré, Efua