I’m writing a children’s book — and it’s almost finished! The story comes from a sweet Maltese tickle game my husband grew up with. When he was little, his Maltese family would play a game called “Gejja Duda.” His mom would walk her two fingers up his arm, saying “Gejja Duda, Gejja Duda…” until she reached his neck and tickled him.
In Maltese, Gejja means coming, and Duda means bug or worm. Together it becomes this playful little chant: “The bug is coming!”
Years later, my husband played the same tickle game with our kids — and it became one of those tiny family traditions that sticks forever. I loved it so much that I turned it into a whole children’s book filled with whimsy, childhood magic, and Maltese cultural roots.
I’m in the final stages now, and I can’t wait to hold the finished book in my hands. If you’re curious about Gejja Duda, Maltese children’s traditions, or the story behind my upcoming book, stay tuned — more updates are coming soon!
Maltese tickle game
Maltese children’s traditions
Maltese culture
children’s book
children’s book author
Scottie Magro
Maltese words
meaning of Gejja
meaning of Duda
