What do you think?
Rate this book
Mr Low and the Magic of Borneo
Life in her tiny village is supposed to be simple for Bibi. But she does not feel that way. Her regular visions of colors freak other children out and she finds herself feeling trapped. She is dubbed as a troublemaker and one that will bring a curse to her village.
When a group of strange men led by Mr. Low are about to arrive at her village, Bibi feels more responsible for this news. It spells trouble. To make matters worse, these men are planning to climb the sacred mountain of her people. Bibi worries that a curse will fall upon the village. The villagers think that the curse will cause Gayo Nakan, the Rock King on the mountain, to awaken.
However, things change when Bibi meets her animal friend, Diti. Together with the help of her friends and Elder Gorum, Bibi and Diti find themselves coming to the strange men’s rescue. Bibi’s visions of colors help her find Gayo Nakan before he destroys them. Her actions also help uncover a secret that Mr. Low brought up with him, one that eventually Gayo Nakan found to be pleasing.
Mr. Low and men return unharmed. Bibi’s life in the village is no longer simple as new adventures await her. Kagyu, the spell-casting orangutan will surprise her.
When a group of strange men led by Mr. Low are about to arrive at her village, Bibi feels more responsible for this news. It spells trouble. To make matters worse, these men are planning to climb the sacred mountain of her people. Bibi worries that a curse will fall upon the village. The villagers think that the curse will cause Gayo Nakan, the Rock King on the mountain, to awaken.
However, things change when Bibi meets her animal friend, Diti. Together with the help of her friends and Elder Gorum, Bibi and Diti find themselves coming to the strange men’s rescue. Bibi’s visions of colors help her find Gayo Nakan before he destroys them. Her actions also help uncover a secret that Mr. Low brought up with him, one that eventually Gayo Nakan found to be pleasing.
Mr. Low and men return unharmed. Bibi’s life in the village is no longer simple as new adventures await her. Kagyu, the spell-casting orangutan will surprise her.
145 pages
Published January 1, 2020
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 27, 2020
This is a refreshing read for young readers as the writer brings us through a journey in Borneo back in the days when Sabah was still known as North Borneo. It's easy to read with childish illustrations that bring out the imagination of the readers to visualize the magical world in the story. Yes, Sabah is really mystical and magical to me.
May 29, 2021
I enjoyed reading this tale set in Borneo, specifically the foothills of Mount KInabalu. The focus is on an indigenous (the Dusun) community and the story is told from the perspective of a young Dusun girl called Bibi. It is 1851 and changes are coming to Borneo, with strangers threatening to disrupt the old ways of life.
Like me, you may be surprised to discover who 'Mr Low' refers to! I certainly didn't expect it, but I enjoyed the way the author works this character into the tale.
I also like how the story provides a window into Dusun cultural and spiritual practices and beliefs. As the author has Kadazan-Dusun heritage, it is fitting that she has chosen to preserve these details by weaving it into an engaging story that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Like me, you may be surprised to discover who 'Mr Low' refers to! I certainly didn't expect it, but I enjoyed the way the author works this character into the tale.
I also like how the story provides a window into Dusun cultural and spiritual practices and beliefs. As the author has Kadazan-Dusun heritage, it is fitting that she has chosen to preserve these details by weaving it into an engaging story that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews