The Magic Callaloo
Trish Cooke author Sophie Bass illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Walker Books Ltd
Publishing:5th Jun '25
£7.99
This title is due to be published on 5th June, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Brilliantly told and sumptuously illustrated, The Magic Callaloo is based on the fairy-tale "Rapunzel" and inspired by stories of enslaved Africans.
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.”
"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
This colourful, fabulous Rapunzel retelling features a magic wishing callaloo plant, a selfish thief and a dauntless girl with huge beautiful curls, inspired by stories of enslaved Africans who wove patterns and escape maps into their cornrowed hair. A wonderful text-rich picture book for readers of 5+. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *
A wonderful and enchanting book that will keep the reader enthralled… With extremely colourful illustrations, this book is a delight to read. * PA Media, syndicated via NewsChain to Northern Echo, Breakingnews.ie, Offaly Live, Liverpool Echo, Bristol Post, Hull Daily Mail *
This book is truly magical. * Juno *
In prose as rich and vivid as the glorious technicolour illustrations, Trish Cooke has given us an Afro-Caribbean homage to the traditional Rapunzel tale, with its themes of captivity and escape. * LoveReading4Kids Star Book *
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 *
- Long-listed for UKLA Book Award 2025 (UK)
- Nominated for The Carnegie Medal 2025 (UK)
ISBN: 9781529523676
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
32 pages