The Secret of the Bush by Grazia Caleo and Kremena Dimitrova

The Secret of the Bush – at a glance

The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Ebola, Doctors, Africa, Healing, Community.
Children’s book title: The Secret of the Bush.
Children’s author: Grazia Caleo.
Children’s illustrator: Kremena Dimitrova.
Genre: Picture book.
Published by: Salammbo Press.
ISBN: 9781068320101.
Recommended for children aged: 7+ year-olds.
First published: Paperback March 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: discussing stigma, disease and things we take for granted.

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Our review:

The Secret of the Bush tells the story of Baby Fatou, a 10-year-old girl in Sierra Leone, and her relationship with her grandmother, Grand Mammy Hawa, a traditional healer. Using vibrant and powerful illustrations, this large format picture book explores the lived experiences of Dr. Grazia Caleo, a medical doctor and public health specialist who worked with Médecins Sans Frontières during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa between 2014 and 2016.

Through this narrative, the book explores the impact of the Ebola outbreak on a small community, focusing on healing, resilience, and the role of family and tradition in the face of crisis. The evocative story presents the emotional bond between Fatou and her grandmother as they confront the arrival of Ebola in their village. The book aims to reduce stigma associated with the disease and promote a sense of unity and healing.

Illustrated by Kremena Dimitrova, the book integrates West African proverbs and wisdom, offering readers a deeper understanding of grief and recovery. The visual storytelling provides an emotional layer to the narrative, balancing the challenging subject matter with elements of hope and cultural memory.

Our verdict:

The Secret of the Bush is an informative resource for KS2 teachers and young readers – particularly those aged seven and above – as it introduces them to the realities of the Ebola outbreak through a child’s perspective. It provides a thoughtful exploration of intergenerational relationships, community resilience, and the power of traditional knowledge during times of crisis. The use of storytelling to reduce stigma surrounding survivors of Ebola is particularly relevant and impactful.

The immersive illustrations effectively complement the text, supporting the emotional tone of the story while presenting a visually engaging experience. The book’s focus on healing and understanding through shared cultural wisdom makes it a valuable read for children and adults alike.

Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:

• Discuss the importance of family and community in times of crisis.
• Explore the role of traditional knowledge and healers in different cultures.
• Examine the impact of the Ebola outbreak on West African communities and its global significance.
• Use the book’s themes to talk about resilience, recovery, and healing in the face of illness or trauma.
• Discuss the emotional experiences of children in crisis situations and how they cope with fear and loss.
• Introduce students to West African proverbs and explore their meanings and relevance.
• Address the concept of stigma and how it affects individuals and communities during and after an epidemic.
• Have students share stories of intergenerational relationships and discuss how these connections help with personal growth and healing.

Many thanks to Sallambo Press for the review copy.

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