“10 Billion Stars!” – Kids Are Obsessed with MUMAGEDDON!
There’s a new children’s book causing serious buzz — and young readers are calling it a “10 BILLION STARS!” masterpiece.
MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician by Sonya Anise is already stacking up awards, five-star reviews and glowing praise ahead of its new gift edition release on March 26th 2026.
Described as “as good as Roald Dahl!” and praised by Brett Anderson of Suede as “a brilliant book parents will enjoy as much as their kids,” this riotous rhyming debut is quickly earning its place as a modern family favourite.
A Mischievous, Magical Adventure (Ages 8+)
Published by Books Beautiful, MUMAGEDDON! is no ordinary picture book.
Told entirely in clever, laugh-out-loud verse and illustrated by Anise herself, the story follows a quiet boy with big dreams of becoming a Chocolatey Greatness — think Gordon Ramsay meets Willy Wonka.
Often left home alone and forced to make his own lunch, he discovers a hidden talent: food magic. But when he’s shipped off to the hilariously grim Beatem Courts Boarding School for Incurable Warts — complete with soggy sprouts and daily wedgies — he decides escape will require more than bedsheets and spoons.
Armed with spells, smarts and culinary creativity, he cooks up revenge… only to discover that love may be the most powerful magic of all.
It’s mischievous. It’s slightly gruesome (in exactly the way children love). And beneath the chaos, it carries a heartfelt message about resilience, empathy, blended families and self-belief.
Award-Winning and Critically Praised
The book has already received:
- Readers’ Favorite® Seal of Approval – 5 Stars
- Amazon rating: 4.9/5
- Goodreads rating: 4.69/5
Child psychologist Anneke Reijmerink described it as:
“An absolute gift for children’s emotional and social development.”
Critics have called it a “mischievous masterpiece” and “an absolute joy to read.”
For fans of Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, and Lemony Snicket, this one hits that sweet spot between anarchic fun and emotional intelligence.
New Gift Edition – Publishing March 26th 2026
The beautifully produced Gift Edition publishes on March 26th 2026
It is currently available to pre-order via Kickstarter, with exclusive goodies, special offers and first editions not available in shops. The campaign closes on February 24th, making this a limited early-access opportunity for collectors and families alike.
About Sonya Anise
A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Sonya Anise is an award-winning author, illustrator, artist and designer. Born in Dublin and having lived across England, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Costa Rica and Mexico, her global perspective and creative background shape the book’s vibrant tone and visual storytelling.
MUMAGEDDON! is a tale 25 years in the making — written in youth, shaped by life and motherhood, and finally shared with the world.
Why MUMAGEDDON! Matters
In an era where children’s content often feels disposable, MUMAGEDDON! stands out for its wit, emotional depth and bold originality.
It encourages children to follow their passions, use their voice, embrace compromise and practise forgiveness — all wrapped in riotous rhyme and dazzling illustration.
If early reactions are anything to go by, this mischievous masterpiece is on its way to becoming a much-loved modern classic.
VENTS MAGAZINE 