The Lost Catapult

About this book

The Lost Catapult by Maliya Mzyece Sililo is a children's story from one of Zambia's experienced writers for young audiences. The simple problem contained in the title gives the story an immediate sense of curiosity: something important to a child has gone missing, creating a situation that can lead to searching, decision-making and discovery. Sililo's children's books are informed by her background as an educator and by African oral storytelling traditions, with a strong interest in writing material that entertains while helping children think. The Lost Catapult is suitable for primary-age readers, school libraries, reading clubs and families looking for locally grounded children's fiction. Teachers and parents can use the story to support comprehension, sequencing, prediction and discussion about choices and consequences. It is part of Sililo's wider contribution to Zambian children's literature and youth-focused storytelling.