The sweetness of love (and oranges): ‘One Volcano and the Many Oranges’ by Khuanta Mahasay

The blurb for this lovely book, a debut by Australian author Khuanta Mahasay, includes this description:
An illustrated chapter book to share aloud with children ages 6 to 9, and with anyone who needs it, including grown-ups.

This beautifully captures the theme and feel of the story.

The main character is Omar, who lives with his mum and grandma at the base of a spectacular volcano called Mount Tangy. Omar loves living here and helping his family grow oranges in their orchard. But he feels sad a lot of the time because his dad has died.

A special place Omar loves to visit is the spot on the mountain’s slopes where the family had scattered Dad’s ashes. Sometimes he cries a little bit when he sists there, but he feels lighter, too, gazing over the valley and his home, far below.

When the mayor announces a competition to see who among the local farmers can grow the sweetest oranges, everyone is very excited. Then, when Omar’s tears drop onto the orange tree he had planted with Dad years before, something very special and magical happens.

The day to choose the competition winner arrives and the whole town is there; excitement grows amid a festival atmosphere as the community comes together for the event. But Mount Tangy has other ideas and threatens to erupt. What can they do?

More magic – and some quick-thinking from Omar – help to save the town. In the process, Omar learns that it’s OK to feel sad, that we can keep those we love close to us with our memories, and that magic can take all shapes – and when it comes to oranges, all sizes, too.

It’s a sweet book, redolent with the scent of sticky oranges and the sourdough bread baked by Grandma. Warmth and love work their own magic to help Omar heal from his loss.
Short chapters and the gorgeous illustrations by Estelle Corke make this a perfect book for early readers who are ready for more text-rich books, or for reading aloud together.

One Volcano and the Many Oranges is published by the author in 2026.
It can be purchased on Amazon in both paperback and ebook formats here.

Disclosure: The author is a family member.
Readers of my blog will know that I champion children’s literature whenever I have the opportunity; this book is the first of what I’m sure will be many more books for kids that Ms Mahasay will produce.