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‘Magic is within every one of us’

The book centres around two main characters living in a semi mythical environment representing the desert, a portal between the present and the future.

In short, The Prince of Camels is a magical journey through the deserts of Arabia. But at the same time it is not your typical thematic story as it is centred around a young Arab boy who is brought up by a race of magic camels who can transform into half mortal and half camel creatures called the Yassudis.

This fast paced story takes the reader into the magical kingdom of Al- Yassudi where the reader discovers the human side of animals and the animal side of human beings. The natural environment of the desert features heavily in the story’s back drop, and also plays a part in the story.

Author Cosme I. Dias says, “Through fictional characters and settings, I have tried to weave into this adventure story the message that magic is within every one of us and one needs nurturing family and friends to bring it forth”.

The style of writing is poetic and richly descriptive making it a valuable reading for children of the television age. The Prince of Camels presents characters and qualities of adventure, justice, morality, and bravery all represented in the natural environment of the desert.

Cosme explains why he chose the desert as the setting of his story: “When we are born we are like someone lost in the desert, yelling for help. It is only the love of our parents and relatives that help us discover the magic of the wondrous virtues within ourselves. We learn to communicate through words and actions.

“I believe that we are all pilgrims on this earth. We are here to discover the magic of love”.

Many children’s books coming out today are written for younger ones, but this book is written mainly for today’s teenagers.

“I believe that teenagers are genuine people who are seeking something which will really give them love, peace and joy. Unfortunately the world only has temporary happiness and peace to offer.

“So I felt that they should be made to realise that what they are hunting for, is right there, in their hearts. After all, we are creatures of light and love. Of course, younger children can read it if they are able to understand the language which I had to keep at this level because I also want adults to read it. In fact it has a much deeper message for the latter”.

The book also touches upon cultural and social themes of the importance of co-existence and cultural harmony in one’s daily life.

Cosme I. Dias who is journalist with the English daily newspaper in India The Herald also initiated the state’s first children’s weekly supplement. His book The Prince of Camels can be purchased at Borders Bookstores in The Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre.