Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk
- Publisher
Floris Books - Published
15th October - ISBN 9781782508854
- Language English
- Pages 32 pp.
- Size 10.75" x 9.45"
Esma is excited to visit family in Morocco for the summer. She can't wait to explore the souk—a giant market filled with 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 and 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 colors and real warmth.
(Ages 4 to 7 years)
“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 colors and hustle and bustle of the busy marketplace.” —The Scotsman
“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 favorite 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)
Lisa Boersen
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. Inspired partly by her own childhood adventures while visiting family in the Dominican Republic, Lisa coauthored Esma Farouk, Lost at the Souk with Hasna Elbaamrani. Lisa lives in Amsterdam with her husband and two sons.
Hasna Elbaamrani
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.