The House of Shells
Efua Traore
Extract
‘Ko-ku-mo!’ Kuki jerked up, her story notepad dropping out of her hands on to the floor. The page she had been writing on disappeared between the others, along with the wisp of an idea she had just had to save the situation for her heroine. Aunty’s loud voice calling her full name was always a shock. Everyone else called her Kuki. Kuki struggled out of bed, and hurried towards the kitchen. She already felt guilty even though she was sure she hadn’t done anything wrong. Or had she?
About the book
From the critically acclaimed author of Children of the Quicksands – shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize – comes a breathtaking magical adventure …
Kuki refuses to believe in the curse of the Abiku.
Her destiny is not to die young!
Her biggest problem right now is moving house and fitting in at her new school.
One evening while exploring, Kuki spies a driveway lined with giant palm trees. It leads to an abandoned beach house of shadows and scattered sea shells.
And in the fading light, she meets a girl called Enilo.
They become friends – the best of friends.
Until Kuki makes a terrifying discovery …
A beautifully evoked middle-grade adventure set in the author’s native Nigeria and drawing from rich Yoruba mythology!
PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS:
‘A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling’ KATHERINE RUNDELL
‘A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria – glorious!’ JASBINDER BILAN
‘[A] beautifully evoked story’ THE TELEGRAPH
‘Traoré’s storytelling feels almost otherworldly … exhilarating’ THE TIMES
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Rights
Audio UK, Germany, Holland, Nigeria
