Wild Magic: The Legend of the Black Lion by Abiola Bello – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Adventure, magic, family, Ethiopia, danger.
Children’s book title: Wild Magic: The Legend of the Black Lion.
Children’s author: Abiola Bello.
Children’s illustrator: Emma McCann.
Genre: Children’s fiction.
Published by: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK.
ISBN: 9781398520486.
Recommended for children aged: 6+ year-olds.
First published: Paperback March 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: a starting point for discussing the dangers wild animals face when hunted by poachers. The magical aspects of the story soften this subject, allowing it to be explained in more detail if necessary.
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Our review:
Misha and Ziggy are eight-year-old twins who live with their dad, Dayo, who has a very cool job as a TV wildlife presenter! What he doesn’t know is that his twins are pretty cool too – Misha can converse with all animals, and as long as he can get close to them just once, Ziggy can turn himself into any creature he meets! Their mum had both abilities, but she disappeared a while ago, and the twins are convinced she became one of her favourite animals permanently.
Dad is about to head off on a trip to Ethiopia to search for the legendary Black Lion, much to the twins’ disappointment, as their summer holidays have only just begun. His plan is to leave them with their grandparents, but that won’t work because they’re away on their own holiday – so Misha and Ziggy find themselves packing to fly to Ethiopia! Misha is eager to talk to as many animals as possible – ones that can’t be found in a London back garden – while Ziggy is determined to get close to some of the bigger creatures, including the Black Lion, so he can take his shape-shifting to the next level.
When they learn that the Black Lion has disappeared, Misha and Ziggy realise they must find it to help their dad film a successful wildlife programme. Soon, they discover that poachers are in the area, and the twins suspect that they are after the lion. But disaster strikes when Ziggy vanishes, leaving Misha to search for him without alerting their dad. As danger draws closer, Misha becomes desperate – but she finds some unexpected allies. Can she persuade them to help?
Our verdict:
Aimed at younger readers, Wild Magic: The Legend of the Black Lion blends magical abilities with the real-life dangers faced by rare animals in the southern hemisphere. The story features guns, villains, and a kidnapping, but apart from a slight injury to the Black Lion, no animals are harmed or killed – though it is clear that poaching has occurred in the past.
While their dad is working, Misha and Ziggy have a nanny, but they manage to slip away from her quite easily to embark on all sorts of adventures! The resolution to their challenges is described in a hopeful tone, and the dangers are presented without adding unnecessary jeopardy. The twins are well-written characters, with a realistic sibling dynamic – aside from the magic – and both should appeal to readers within the suggested age range.
Wild Magic: The Legend of the Black Lion delivers a positive message and remains hopeful throughout. The illustrations are excellent, adding depth to the storyline, and there is great potential for many class activities linked to the themes.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Many people believe their pets understand everything they say. Do you think that’s possible? Which domestic animals do you think are the easiest to train?
- Misha and Ziggy are horrified when they learn about the poachers and are determined to stop them from taking the Black Lion. Poaching is very dangerous, but governments in affected countries are working to combat it. How do you think they can do this?
- If you could become any animal, which one would you choose? The illustrator shows Ziggy transforming into a bird. As a cross-curricular activity with art – or as part of a creative writing exercise – draw yourself transforming into your chosen animal.
- How hard would it be to keep your magic a secret in London? Would it be even more difficult in Ethiopia, where the animals are much larger or more exotic?
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster Children’s UK for the review copy.
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