MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician
by Sonya Anise
Sonya Anise’s dazzling debut, MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician is already causing a stir among young readers, parents and critics. Winner of multiple book awards, hailed as “as good as Roald Dahl!” and praised by Suede’s Brett Anderson as “a brilliant book parents will enjoy as much as their kids,” this riotous rhyming picture book is set to quickly earn its place as a much loved modern classic—with one child reviewer awarding it “10 BILLION STARS!”
Published by Books Beautiful, MUMAGEDDON! is no ordinary children’s book. Told entirely in clever, laugh-out-loud verse and beautifully illustrated by Anise herself, it delivers a rollercoaster read for all ages (8+). It’s mischievous, moving, and just a little bit gruesome in the way children adore—perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake and Lemony Snicket.
At its heart is a universal, heartfelt message: follow your passions, use your voice, embrace compromise and forgiveness. Child psychologists have praised the book as “a delightful gem that ticks every box,” applauding its ability to spark joy while addressing important themes like resilience, empathy, blended families and self-belief.
The new gift edition, publishing 26 March, is now available to pre-order, featuring exclusive goodies, special offers and first editions that won’t be sold in shops. Campaign ends on 24 Feburary > Pre-Order The New Gift Edition
ABOUT THE STORY
Our hero is a quiet boy with BIG dreams of Chocolatey Greatness – think Gordon Ramsay meets Willy Wonka!
Often left at home alone, forced to make his own lunch, our hero discovers his true passion: food magic! But his dreams of chef stardom are shattered when he’s packed off to Beatem Courts Boarding School for Incurable Warts. Sentenced to a daily drudgery of good-morning-wedgies and soggy sprouts, he plots his escape. Down knotted bedsheets into a tunnel dug with a spoon? Not for this culinary wizard! Armed with spells and smarts, he cooks up sweet revenge. And just as things get sticky, he discovers something mightier than hocus-pocus…
Deliciously funny and unexpectedly moving, this madcap joyride about following your dreams and speaking up shows that love is the most powerful magic of all.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Spellbinding New Gift Edition of MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician
ISBN 9781068675157 • Publishes 26 March 2026 • RRP £19.99
Available at mumageddon.com or wherever you buy your books.
PRAISE & REVIEWS
Readers’ Favorite® Seal of Approval – 5 Stars
Amazon rating: 4.9/5 stars | Goodreads rating: 4.69/5 stars
“Brilliantly crafted, a mischievous masterpiece… an absolute joy to read!” – Miche Arendse, Readers’ Favorite
“Brilliant book! Parents will enjoy it as much as their kids.” – Brett Anderson, Suede frontman & author
“A hilarious slapstick joyride!” – Paul Moss, co-founder of The HandleBards
“An absolute gift for children’s emotional and social development.” – Anneke Reijmerink, child psychologist
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sonya Anise is an award-winning author, illustrator, artist and interior product designer. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, she has enjoyed a successful career as an art director, fine artist and founder of an eco-luxury brand. Born in Dublin, Sonya has lived across the world—England, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Costa Rica and Mexico—bringing her love of travel, art and storytelling to everything she creates.
A tale 25 years in the making, worth waiting for—written in youth, shaped by life experience and motherhood, and at last shared with the world. ‘I hope it inspires readers to listen to their inner whisperings and follow their dreams.’
Currently based in the Balearic Islands, Sonya is working on the next instalment of the MUMAGEDDON! series.
Follow Sonya Anise
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonyaanise.world/
Website: https://mumageddon.com