24/03/2026
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT YOLONDE:
When I came across Yolonde, I was immediately captivated; it’s one of those rare “hidden bookshelf” gems that combine heart, humour, and hope into a story that resonates across ages. The way you blend fantasy and realism, set against the rich backdrop of Kenya and London, creates a magical yet deeply human narrative. It’s more than a children’s story; it’s an inspiring journey about courage, self-belief, and the magic that comes from within. Your portrayal of Yolonde, a young girl who dares to dream despite her struggles, mirrors the challenges many children face, feeling inadequate, misunderstood, or overlooked, yet you show how resilience and self-belief can turn impossibility into triumph. The lion, the moon, and those silver slippers beautifully symbolise imagination, courage, and the power of inner strength. And the generational storytelling through Grandma Wei, Wei and Katrina adds a wonderful layer of warmth and legacy. Your writing captures that delicate balance between laughter and lessons, weaving humour into serious themes like loss, poverty, and perseverance—a skill few authors master so naturally. It’s clear your personal journey with dyslexia and your mission to inspire children to read and believe in themselves infuse every word with authenticity.
The Hidden Bookshelf
Yolonde: Waterstones, Feedaread, Barnes and Noble or from my website michaelskyner.com and all good bookshops. Middle grade and upwards.
