In my mind, Laura Nsafou is one of the most important voices in contemporary children's literature in my country. Ever since I did my ma in children's lit, I've been meaning to read her picture books. I had a feeling she would bring so much good things to the french-speaking book catalogue.

I am not disappointed. Nos jours brûlés is sold as a half science-fiction, half fantasy afrofuturist book. First, the whole concept piqued my interest although I'm not a sci-fi girly. It's the first book in a trilogy so it needs time to settle in and that's fine. In the last 100 pages or so, you can tell the author found her balance, felt more comfortable with her story. At that point I was completely immersed! I'm not much attached to the characters (yet) but I'm loving the plot. And what a joy to read Laura Nsafou's prose as it reminded me that the French language can be quite rich and poetic.

I will be reading the rest of the trilogy!! I really recommend!