Beyond the Forest

By Noor Yusuf

Book 1, Adventures with the Awliya

Beyond the Forest is the first instalment of a series called Adventures with the Awliya. The series follows three children in the countryside who discover a secret house in the heart of the forest. Within this house is a mysterious Mihrab and, when the children stand inside it, they find themselves whisked into legend and history, entered into the stories of the mythical Awliya of days gone by. Their adventures traverse regions across the globe from Persia to South Africa, and are historically informed.

The book explores a vast array of cultures and their storied heritage, presenting positive role models, wrapped up between both exciting adventures and more familiar contexts. Concerned with diversity and inclusivity, the book is one of the current few to have Muslim characters as the protagonists, and can be enjoyed by readers of all backgrounds, being grounded in universal values. Central themes as spirituality, diversity, and the celebration of heritage, mythologies and cultures from around the world are explored, in a manner and style engaging for the young audience.

Format: Paperback

Pages: 168