The Magic Callaloo

This enchanting chapter book offers a modern, culturally rich retelling of the classic Rapunzel story, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Caribbean. It centers on a magical callaloo plant that grants wishes, and the journey of a couple who bravely seek its last leaf to fulfill their dream of having a child. The narrative beautifully weaves together themes of perseverance, justice, and the power of wishes, while also subtly drawing inspiration from tales of enslaved Africans finding secret paths to freedom, a context further explored in a compelling author's note. Ideal for children aged 4-11, it's a story that will captivate with its stunning art and lyrical prose, making it perfect for read-alouds and sparking conversations about courage, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of dreams.

Set in a vibrant Caribbean landscape, this modern retelling of "Rapunzel" melds stunning art with a story inspired by tales of enslaved Africans following secret paths to freedom. Long, long ago in a village far, far away there grew a callaloo plant whose leaves made wishes come true. The villagers tenderly cared for their beloved callaloo, until one day, a greedy, selfish man wished to have the plant all to himself. In that village lived a husband and wife who desperately longed for a child, but without the callaloo to grant their wish, they remained childless. So when a wise old woman appeared from nowhere and told them how to find the plant, they bravely fought dragons and snakes until they reached the last remaining leaf, and their wish for a child finally came true. But as often happens in tales of magic, wishes are only the beginning . . . Creating a world of vivid Caribbean colors, Trish Cooke and Sophie Bass nurture and sow a contemporary retelling of "Rapunzel" sure to leave readers entranced. More about the practice of weaving patterns into cornrowed hair to function as maps leading to freedom can be found in a compelling note from the author.