The Case for MUMAGEDDON! as a Modern Children’s Classic
Recommendations for Sonya Anise’s MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician span music, theatre, and child psychology. Miche Arendse of Readers’ Favorite describes it as “brilliantly crafted, a mischievous masterpiece… an absolute joy to read!” Brett Anderson, Suede frontman and author, calls it “a brilliant book parents will enjoy as much as their kids.” Paul Moss, co-founder of The HandleBards, characterizes it as “a hilarious slapstick joyride,” and child psychologist Anneke Reijmerink states it is “an absolute gift for children’s emotional and social development.” More broadly, child psychologists have referred to the book as “a delightful gem that ticks every box.”
The title has received multiple international awards and the Readers’ Favorite 5-star Seal of Approval. It currently holds a 4.9/5 rating on Amazon from more than 100 reviews, with readers declaring it “as good as Roald Dahl’s poems!!!” Published by Books Beautiful and recommended for ages 8+, the book is written entirely in verse and illustrated by Anise. Reviewers and professionals note its handling of resilience, empathy, blended families, and self-belief, alongside a clear throughline encouraging readers to follow their passions, use their voice, and embrace compromise and forgiveness.
The narrative follows a chocolate-loving boy with a talent for food magic who is banned from the kitchen by a merciless stepmother and sent to a beastly boarding school. His response—conjuring fantastical culinary concoctions—drives a comic plot that also functions as a contemporary fairy tale about acceptance, connection, and unconditional love.
Anise is an award-winning author, illustrator, fine artist, and product designer. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, she has lived in England, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. After keeping this story private for 25 years, she published it with the hope of inspiring readers “to listen to their inner whisperings and follow their dreams.” Based in the Balearic Islands, she is working on the next installment of the MUMAGEDDON! series. Images and a book trailer are available.