Quick Look
- A lively story rooted in the authors' memories of adventures as children, filled with intriguing characters in an enticing setting
- Perfectly captures a young child's excitement and awe at the sights, sounds and smells of a busy marketplace in Marrakesh
- Evokes the wonder of family holidays and exploring
- Celebrates bravery and the kindness of strangers, as Esma enlists the help of the souk's inhabitants (including a fortune teller and several acrobats) in her effort to find her mama
- Rich illustrations capture the vivid bustle and vibrancy of the souk
Esma is excited to visit the souk on a family trip to Morocco, but the huge market is an easy place to get lost! Can she find someone friendly to help? A vibrant picture book about a North African family's ordinary experiences in an extraordinary place.
Description
Esma is excited to be visiting family in Morocco for the summer. She can't wait to explore the souk -- a giant market full of incredible acrobats, delicious-smelling spices, and cheeky monkeys. But while Esma is being charmed by swaying snakes, she loses track of Mama and Auntie Fatima. Esma is lost!
With the help of the souk's lively inhabitants Esma makes a daring plan to find her mama. Will she be brave enough to step up and stand out?
Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk is a vibrant, fun picture book about familiar family chaos in an extraordinary setting. Inspired by their own family adventures, Lisa Boersen and Hasna Elbaamrani cleverly and amusingly capture a child's viewpoint of a bustling Marrakesh souk and its characters. Annelies Vandenbosch's illustrations are packed with brilliant details, bright colours and real warmth.
Reviews
'This engaging, heartwarming book offers many young readers a window into Moroccan culture, highlighting a community's warmth and the unexpected kindness of strangers through the perspective of a resilient and intrepid youngster. A delightful and satisfying adventure.'
-- Kirkus Reviews
'A sweet tale about celebrating the joy of childhood summers and the love of families across countries and cultures... The story evokes the heady scents, bright colours and hustle and bustle of the busy marketplace.'
-- The Scotsman
'Following the wrong mom in a crowded place [is] truly a universal phenomenon, as this book is quick to tell us... Plus it's fun to see a Moroccan souk presented in a contemporary way.'
-- Betsy Bird, School Library Journal
'Artfully captures the lively atmosphere of a Marrakesh market with saturated colours and dynamic characters.'
-- Foreword Reviews
'The story captures the vibrancy of Morocco and the special excitement of travels to a far-off family home.'
-- JUNO Magazine
'A lot of fun!'
-- Kindling
'Capturing all the excitement of summer travels, this story is an absolute delight.'
-- Armadillo
'A wonderful book about family life - the reality, the chaos and the love.'
-- Our Book Days (Instagram)
'A story that takes readers on a colorful journey through the bustling streets of Marrakesh… Our favourite page shows acrobats creating a human tower from which Esma will be able to spy her mother in the crowd. Will she be brave enough to climb up there?'
-- Storybook Mamma (Instagram)
'This engaging book beautifully captures the essence of family chaos in an extraordinary setting… Through Esma's adventure, readers are reminded of the importance of resilience and kindness, and the power of coming together in the face of challenges.'
-- Childrens Book Nook (Instagram)
Author
Lisa Boersen is a children's author and head of the children's department at a Dutch public broadcaster. She grew up in the Netherlands with a Dutch father and a Dominican mother. Lisa's books bring a touch of fantasy to the real world. Partly inspired by her own childhood adventures visiting family in the Dominican Republic, Lisa co-wrote Esma Farouk, Lost at the Souk with Hasna Elbaamrani. Lisa lives in Amsterdam with her husband and two sons.
Hasna Elbaamrani was born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents. She has a background in law and social justice and is currently an editor for a Dutch news website. Hasna's desire to see greater diversity in children's books led her to write her first picture book, Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk, with Lisa Boersen, which is inspired by fond memories of childhood trips to Morocco. She lives in Amsterdam.
Annelies Vandenbosch is an illustrator and graphic designer with a master's degree in animation. She has illustrated several books for children, including Esma Farouk, Lost at the Souk and The Proud Button. Annelies loves creating illustrations with a positive and humorous touch. She lives near Antwerp, Belgium.
