Drawing from her own childhood experiences in Colombo, Farook crafts a fictional version of Sri Lanka, known as Serendib, where the story unfolds. The setting is rich with tropical jungles, ancient ruins, and bustling villages, providing a vibrant backdrop for the characters' adventures.

The cultural aspects of Sri Lanka are also woven into the narrative, with mentions of local customs, foods, and the socio-political landscape. This cultural backdrop adds depth to the story, highlighting themes of justice, community, and resistance against oppression.

Through these vivid depictions, Farook transports readers to a world that is both enchanting and thought-provoking, offering a window into the life and landscape of Sri Lanka.

Small-town vibe: Most action happens in a tight-knit village where everyone knows each other, capturing Swedish rural life in the 1940s.

Nature focus: The books are full of orchards, fields, and animals (her horse Lilla Gubben, her monkey Mr Nilsson), reflecting Sweden’s deep connection with nature.

https://beverleynaidoo.com/

One Chance Dance by Efua Traoré

Set in Lagos, this story is full of descriptions of the sights and sounds of Nigeria.

Adnan by Steve Chatterton and Mark Arrigo. Illustrated by Syrian artist, Diala Brisly

The story of a 10 year old refugee boy who uses his creative skills to help his mother with her PTSD. A gorgeous, heartwarming story based on a short film offers hope and love.

A tale of building trust and learning from the mistakes of others, a truly touching story of two lives becoming entwined.

A book like no other with a vivid sense of place. Wonderfully poignant read about a restless teen gamer discovering the magic within herself and learning secrets about her mother's childhood in Kuwait. #Family #Friendship #Magic 10+

“When I was a child, I always wished that I could create my own cartoon movies. The process of creating the book Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear was a journey to satisfy the child’s longing inside of me – to create an immersive movie on paper using influences of comics and manga. Together with Trang Nguyen, we hope these books will contribute to the conservation of wildlife by sharing with the readers what we know, what we love and care about. For me, this is a long and enduring journey. Winning the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration is a great honour. We hope that the impact of the prize will be felt widely and draw attention to the plight of the Sun Bears and other wildlife.” #Conservation #Bears #Rainforests #Asia