Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk - by Lisa Boersen & Hasna Elbaamrani (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Esma is excited to be visiting family in Morocco. 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!"--

Book Synopsis

Esma's adventures in Morocco bring familiar family chaos to an extraordinary place. A vibrant, fun picture book celebrating multiculturalism.

Esma is excited to be visiting family in Morocco. 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?

Inspired by their own families, authors Lisa Boersen and Hasna Elbaamrani offer a child's viewpoint of the bustling Marrakesh souk and its characters. Annelies Vandenbosch's illustrations are packed with brilliant details, bright colors and real warmth.

Review Quotes

'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

'Artfully captures the lively atmosphere of a Marrakesh market with saturated colors and dynamic characters.' --Foreword Reviews

'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

'Families will enjoy visiting the souk with Esma and her family, and marveling at the monkeys, diverse people, water carriers, acrobats and excitement of a unique place. Even though the souk may be a new concept to some, all kids will be fascinated by how Esma is lost and then found again... This is a charming book about a universal childhood experience and a fun foray into North African culture.' --Youth Services Book Review

'A delightfully chaotic book of family fun... A fun read with a topic relatable to anyone who travels overseas to reunite with family.'--Connie Reid, YA Books Central

'Vandenbosch�s illustrative style complements Boersen�s and Elbaamrani�s tale perfectly... Esma is a relatable, likeable character whose experience will resonate and entertain.'--Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk

'Descriptive, atmospheric first-person observations and inviting colorful drawings make for story that's highly recommended for libraries seeking stories nicely rooted in cross-cultural experience.' --Midwest Book Review

'Lively and humorous.' --OmniLibros

About the 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.