Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk

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.

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.