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Featured in: Highlighting Australia
As a proudly Australian initiative, we’re excited to showcase a collection of Australian stories, music, tributes and more.n,
Queensland author Hoda McClymont has recently released The Magic Box, the first in a series of children’s chapter books that combine adventure and consultation! The story begins with four friends and birthday party plans but it becomes about a whole lot more.
Hoda kindly told us what inspired her to write this book, what she’s learned along the way, and how Divine Assistance can help writers. Here’s our conversation:
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I always find such questions difficult to answer, but at the heart of it is that I am a Baha’i. Being a Baha’i is a journey that is both challenging and deeply rewarding, and it has shaped every part of my life. In my career, I’ve worked in social research, taught at universities, served in human services, and now work at the Australian Baha’i National Office. This role feels like stepping into the new world order, and the joy it brings me is beyond words. Outside of work, I live in sunny Queensland with my angelic husband and our two wonderful sons, who are also striving to live the Baha’i life. I especially love working with children and youth, whose potential to contribute to humanity’s well-being inspires me every day.
What is The Magic Box about?
The Magic Box is the first book in my consultation series about four friends—Rani, Ayo, Caleb, and Marcus—who often find themselves in unexpected adventures. In this story, the friends gather for Caleb’s birthday party. At first, everything is full of fun and laughter, but then a mysterious game begins that puts their friendship to the test. With a little twist of fortune, they manage to turn things around and discover an important principle of consultation along the way.
What inspired you to create this book?
The idea really started growing during the COVID pandemic. It was such a strange time—full of fear and uncertainty. The whole world seemed to pause, and people were struggling in so many different ways. Of course, there were inspiring moments too, with people going out of their way to help others. But alongside that, I also noticed something unpleasant. Arguments about vaccination were everywhere—on social media, in workplaces, even among my own friends. Instead of pulling together, some people ended up divided, even turning into enemies.
What struck me, though, was that when I really listened to the different perspectives, I could see a bit of truth in each. It made me think, “If only we actually consulted, maybe these conflicts could be resolved.” That reflection led me to realise how much of our world is built on arguing and blaming—whether in families, communities, governments, or society as a whole. No wonder so many problems, from health to the environment to social issues, just keep going around in circles.
I also had to admit to myself that I didn’t really have a deep understanding of how perfect Baha’i consultation works in practice. So, I turned to the Writings, as I often do. That’s when I found a compilation on consultation that really is the panacea for the world’s problems. One of the quotes in this compilation by Baha’u’llah states:
“Say: No man can attain his true station except through his justice. No power can exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation.”1
As I studied and slowly put those gemlike principles into practice, it struck me that the next generation doesn’t have to grow up in an adversarial world. Maybe I could play a small part in changing their thoughts and behaviours by writing children’s stories about consultation and voila! This book is the outcome of that reflection.
Who is its audience?
The Magic Box is an early reader for kids in primary school, especially those in grades three and four who are just starting to enjoy reading on their own. It’s written as a fun junior fiction story, but each book in this series also introduces a principle of consultation in a simple, relatable way. At the end of each book is a quote that relates to the consultation principle explored in the story.
What’s something you’ve learned in the process of making this book?
I’ve learned so much about Baha’i consultation, and some of my favourite principles are captured in this quote from Abdu’l-Baha:
“The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the members of the assembly… They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one’s views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. The honoured members must with all freedom express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another…”2
If the world had practised even just these principles during COVID—or really in response to any of today’s challenges—how different things might be.
What do you hope readers will take away with them?
I hope children enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it, and that they can imagine themselves joining in the adventures of the four friends. Most importantly though, I hope these stories help children bring consultation into their daily lives, so that, little by little, they grow into ambassadors for peace.
What is some advice you’d give to anyone pursuing Baha’i-inspired creative work?
The main advice I can offer is to pray and seek Divine Assistance when writing and publishing Baha’i-inspired books. That help will come, and obstacles will be eased—especially if your intention is to serve Baha’u’llah. I say this from my own amazing experience. As I communed with the eternal realm and reflected on how to begin, I suddenly found a flow of story ideas and plots. It was such a surprising experience for me, since I had never considered myself a creative person, having focused mostly on academic research and publications. Suddenly, I was overflowing with ideas for playful tales for children. It reminded me of this quote by Abdu’l-Baha:
“Arise with every power to assist the Covenant of God and serve in His vineyard. Be confident that a confirmation will be granted unto you and a success on His part is given unto you. Verily, He shall support you by the angels of His holiness and reinforce you with the breaths of the Spirit.”3
Do you have a website?
Yes, I’ve just developed one that I hope I will fill with books and activities for children. You can visit my website at: www.hodabooks.com.
Thank you so much, Hoda, for taking the time to share this with us! We are excited about the anticipated release of the second book in this series later in 2026!
You can also purchase The Magic Box from Bahaibooks.com.au in Australia.
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Horizons is an online magazine of news, stories and reflections from around individuals, communities
and Baha’i institutions around Australia
Baha’i beliefs address essential spiritual themes for humanity’s collective and individual advancement. Learn more about these and more.
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