The Magic Callaloo

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.

Trish Cooke is the author of So Much! illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, as well as many other books for children. She is also a playwright who has created various retellings and adaptations of children’s fairy tales, including the Olivier Award–nominated Cinderella. Trish Cooke lives in northern England.

Sophie Bass is the illustrator of Windrush Child, written by John Agard. She draws inspiration from her mixed British and Trinidadian heritage and from music, social justice, mythology, and symbolism. She works by hand, employing traditional techniques with gouache and pen to create contemporary images characterized by strong figures, vivid colors, and a distinctive style. Sophie Bass lives and works in London.