The Serpent Rider (Yxavel Magno Diño, Bloomsbury Children’s)

Inspired by Filipino folklore, Yxavel Magno Diño’s debut novel, The Serpent Rider, is a mesmerising middle-grade fantasy. All Tani wants is for her bakunawa egg to hatch so she can become the great warrior she is destined to be. Tani wants to protect her village, especially her little sister, Ligaya, from the Great Bakunawa, the most powerful sea serpent, who swallowed six of the world’s seven moons. After a monster attack threatens the people she loves, Tani can no longer wait patiently, but her desperate deal to get a bakunawa has a price, and Ligaya is taken. Tani takes on a treacherous journey to find her sister, not knowing that the Great Bakunawa is already stirring. The Serpent Rider is bound to capture the hearts and minds of readers aged nine and older, seamlessly drawing them into Tani’s journey of self-discovery. Though the circumstances are fantastical, Tani is still relatable as the main character, as she grapples with patience, personal desires, guilt and more. The story maintains a brisk pace, while ensuring that the action-packed antics of the characters never take away from the message about the importance of learning and knowing history. Diño brings a fresh perspective, inspiring newcomers to learn more about Filipino folklore and traditions, while offering representation for readers who may not often see themselves reflected in Australian children’s literature. Perfect for fans of Claribel A Ortega’s Witchlings and the television show The Owl House.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anneliese Gates is a writer and works in a primary school library. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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