PRAISE

☆☆☆☆☆ "A brilliant book!"

Brett Anderson, Suede frontman and best selling author

“MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician is a brilliant book! I love reading it with my son. Parents will enjoy it as much as their kids!”

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☆☆☆☆☆ "Hilarious slapstick joyride!"

Paul Moss, co-founder of The Handlebards theatre company

“Sonya Anise is an extraordinary writing and drawing talent. MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician’s surreal plot with witty wordplay and brilliant illustrations is thoroughly enjoyable. A hilarious slapstick joyride that will have you gripped from beginning to end!”

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☆☆☆☆☆ "Amazingly funny, utterly joyous and colourful poetic read!"

Anneke Reijmerink, child psychologist at Blissful Minds

“As a child psychologist, I am always on the lookout for books that spark joy while addressing essential themes for children’s emotional and social development. Sonya Anise’s MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician is a delightful gem that manages to tick every box.

This delightful story, written in a playful, poetic style reminiscent of Revolting Rhymes, weaves together humour, adventure, and heart-warming life lessons. It cleverly explores complex themes such as blended families, managing and expressing big emotions, and the transformative power of compromise, acceptance, and forgiveness. With a storyline that’s both fantastical and deeply relatable, this book will resonate with readers of all ages.

Sonya’s genius lies in her ability to address important topics like mindfulness, meditation, and even veganism in a way that feels accessible and fun rather than preachy. The book also celebrates creativity and safe play through its encouragement of cooking and other interactive activities—a brilliant way to engage children’s imaginations while fostering their independence and confidence.

The charm of MUMAGEDDON! doesn’t stop at its lessons; it’s an utterly joyous read. Fans of George’s Marvellous Medicine and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will love the whimsical humour and mischievous energy, while the emotional depth ensures that parents and caregivers—especially stepmothers—find themselves moved by its ultimate message of unconditional love.

Sonya Anise has crafted a book that is not just a story but an experience. I can see it becoming a cherished classic on family bookshelves, sparking laughter, thoughtful conversations, and shared moments of connection for years to come.

This is a must-read for children, parents, and anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and bring people together.”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “Must read!”

Daan Weijerman

“Hilarious, clever, pacy, twisty and touching. A must read!

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☆☆☆☆☆ "Hilarious!"

Dixy's Story Time

“Looking for a fun and heartwarming story for your kids? Well, this is a hilarious adventure about a young chocolatier with a knack for baking and a clever plan to shake things up at his strict boarding school. Packed with chaos, laughter, and a touch of culinary magic, this book will keep your kids entertained from start to finish.

Parents will love the wholesome message and the delightful surprise ending that makes it truly memorable. A perfect choice for young readers who enjoy a mix of humor, mischief, and heart!”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “A really fun read!”

Naim Toci, doctor

“Amazing book. Loved reading it with my daughter. Really creative story, and beautifully illustrated. I hope there are more to come, as it’s really something different. Gruesome in a way that children love. We had such fun reading this as a family and my daughter has gone back to read it herself. I particularly liked the parental references throughout... a really fun read.”

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☆☆☆☆☆ "A feast for the soul whatever your age!"

Sophie Harrison, psychologist

"MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician by Sonya Anise is the most wonderful and engaging tale brought to us in beautiful rhyme and with the most incredible illustrations that just keep giving... every time I pick the book up, I notice something new. As a psychotherapist working with young people, I believe this book is an absolute gift. MUMAGEDDON! really is a feast for the soul that will lift the spirits and hopes of children, young people, and adults alike. This engaging story follows a young food magician as he navigates challenges through his culinary adventures. This book offers more than just a story – it provides a template for young readers to understand that their unique gifts, whatever they may be, can help them face life's challenges. I have no doubt that this book is destined to be a classic and sit side by side with much-loved books such as those of Roald Dahl.”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “So much fun!”

Eleonora Tassan

“This book is so worth reading! Both my kids (11 and 13) absolutely love It. It’s super funny and the kind of book you never want to end! We love reading it aloud together, my daughter narrates, I read the wicked stepmother parts and my son reads the boy, it’s hilarious! So much fun!”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “An absolute must read!”

Kate Brooks

"An absolute must read. She is such a talented writer! It’s not just for kids, I loved it!"

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☆☆☆☆☆ “Fantastic!”

Zuzanna Toczkiewicz, food magician

“This book is sure to spark your passion—for pastry! It certainly did in our house. It’s fun, playful, and captured everyone’s attention from the very first page. The illustrations are absolutely mesmerising, bringing the story to life in a way that’s both beautiful and captivating. Plus, the humour is on point—it’s not just entertaining but also filled with little moments that’ll have you laughing out loud! This book made us laugh so much, and we couldn’t put it down. It’s a perfect mix of joy, creativity, and charm!”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “Fun rhyming story!”

Jaffa Reads Too, book reviewer

"You're never too old for a children's book and I have enjoyed reading this fun rhyming story although it would also appeal to young readers who enjoy colourful illustrations and an intrepid chocolatier who gets sent away to boarding school by his beastly step-mother. Whilst at boarding school he uses his culinary skills to his advantage with unexpected results. The story has snippets of useful information, a note on home safety and a reminder not to try some of the experiments at home which acts a useful reminder to both children and adults alike."

"Coming in at around 100 pages, its a generous sized book, which is a perfect size for confident readers aged about 8 and upwards, although I am sure its also one of those interesting books which can be read together as a bedtime story. The rhyming is good and sets its own pace, the illustrations are fun and colourful and the Food Magician is a delightful character. There is a message in the story about following what you believe in and also about learning to understand and compromise."

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☆☆☆☆☆ “Fabulously funny!”

Helen Loxton, psychologist

“MUMAGEDDON! is an absolute joy to recite, especially with the voice of the diabolically wicked stepmonster. Sonya Anise’s clever nod to Macbeth’s witches is brilliant. I can’t recommend this book highly enough—it’s destined to be a classic!”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “Absolutely hilarious and so beautiful!”

Lina Ju

“MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician is pure joy from start to finish! As an adult, I found myself thoroughly entertained by the clever rhymes and witty story, while my daughter couldn’t stop giggling at the hilarious twists. The playful illustrations and chaotic adventures kept her hooked, and my little one especially loved the fun bubbles with word explanations scattered throughout the pages. It’s a wonderfully engaging, laugh-out-loud tale that we’ll be reading together again and again!”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “We love this book.... inspired!”

David Haydon

“We all love this book. It's so magical and inspiring. My daughter loves all the creative words and has been inspired to make up her own. The art is particularly beautiful and fun. We love finding all the adult messages within the story so there is something for everyone. Highly recommended.”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “Slightly gruesome and a bit disgusting, but in a good way!”

Waterstones reader review

“Slightly gruesome and a bit disgusting in a way that children LOVE! My daughter loves this book, we really enjoy reading it together. It's coined a few catchphrases in our house. When I cook something good, it's partylicious! It's inspired a flurry of baking and limonado making. We love it.”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “Beautiful book by a genius!”

Anna Calthorpe, psychologist

“Beautiful book written by a genius woman. The perfect gift. Buy buy buy, you won’t be disappointed.”

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☆☆☆☆☆ “So funny!”