A fresh, funny, and unexpectedly moving fable.
The Extraordinary Life of Riz: A Praying Mantis’ Quest for a Happy Ending by Nida Farid, with illustrations by Sama Izhar, spins a witty and tender tale about defying fate and discovering the power of connection. Riz, a quick-witted young mantis with more attitude than patience, believes he needs nothing beyond the companionship of his steadfast friend Big Al and the guidance of his wise Uncle Qasim. Determined to sidestep the deadly courtship rituals that doom so many mantises, he scoffs at the very notion of romance—until Dua appears, unraveling his certainty and awakening feelings he never planned to entertain. Just as Riz begins to imagine a future that bends the rules, Mother Nature sets events in motion that propel him and Big Al into peril, hunted by a relentless adversary who knows them all too well. In the course of this journey, Riz must confront his fears, summon courage, and decide whether even a creature seemingly bound by grim inevitability can choose a different ending. Both lighthearted and moving, Farid’s tale offers young readers a story that balances humor with hope and asks what it truly means to rewrite one’s destiny.
Nida Farid has a strong sense of authorial voice and a confident delivery style that make for a fresh, funny, and unexpectedly moving fable that readers won’t be able to get enough of. The dialogue is a really sparkling feature of the storytelling, with our central hero Riz cast as a delightfully stubborn and lovable hero whom you can’t help but root for, even when he doesn’t know what’s good for him. The shifting attitudes and amusing situations he finds himself in are a brilliant balance of humor and heartfelt life lessons. Sama Izhar’s illustrations bring charm and life to key scenes, keeping readers of all ages enchanted. There are many surprising and poignant moments from the ensemble cast, as well. Big Al and Uncle Qasim shine as memorable supporting characters, while Dua adds warmth and complexity to Riz’s journey in equal measure. The storytelling is deceptively simple, tackling bigger themes of love and destiny in a kid-friendly manner, but also presenting complex situations in accessible ways that are great for sparking conversations between kids and parents about finding one’s place in the world. A book for younger audiences that asks profound questions about life and choice, The Extraordinary Life of Riz is a highly recommended read that is sure to leave readers smiling.
