Everyday Magic - by Shakira Maharaj (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The magical Council of Aunties are the only ones who can decide if Max and Meera can adopt a baby of their very own. To prove they can become parents, Max and Meera must complete three challenges-collect enough joy, love, and hope for the Aunties. Each task seems overwhelming, but a child is waiting, and they are determined to be ready, too.

Everyday Magic is inspired by the adoption process, and recreates it in this fairytale, about what it means to build a family.

Review Quotes

"This fairy tale focused on making a family through adoption brings home the realities of a couple's growing love and understanding of parenting as they navigate what it means to adopt. We witness Meera and Max who show us how parents who adopt open our hearts to our children even as we wait for their arrival. The lyrical language draws readers into the magic and appeals to all ages. The magical elements build a world of incredible love, and the illustrations draw us in to the story of a family as they begin their journey together." -- Ann Angel, adoptive mother of four, author of Adopted Like Me: My Book of Adoption Heroes

Praise for Wanjiku

"Vibrant, textured illustrations accompany this eloquent picture book about embracing your identity." -- Foreword Reviews

"Through the engaging narrative and calm brush strokes, children are taken on a journey across the vibrant landscapes of Kenya. [...]."-- World Kid Lit

"Vibrantly colored picture book[...]." -- Youth Services Book Review

About the Author

Shakira Maharaj is a debut children's book author from South Africa. She lives in Cape Town with her young son, tired husband and chubby dog. She has a Master's Degree from the University of Cape Town, and when she's not writing or mothering, she works for an NGO focused on early childhood development.

Karen Vermeulen is an artist, illustrator, and teacher living in Cape Town, South Africa, known for her happy, uplifting and quirky creations. She is the illustrator of the 2023 picture book, It's Just Skin, Silly! and the 2024 release of Wanjiku, Child of Mine, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Book. She is the author and illustrator of Good Luck To Us All: A Graphic Novel of Sorts (Catalyst Press, 2024).