Book Review of “A is for Arab” by Wafa Shami
By: Sami Asmar / Arab America Contributing Writer
Book Representation for Arab Children
It is rare to find an English-language children’s book with Arab-related topics. Especially ones worthy of sharing with your family that lack negative biases occasionally encountered. Worry no more! The latest addition to the library of children’s books on Arab themes has been released by author Wafa Shami. She shares her experiences as a child growing up in the city of Ramallah. With many books to keep the younger generation connected to their culture and inform others of its beauty. A is for Arab follows her books Easter in Ramallah and The Olive Harvest which were highly well received worldwide.
Traveling the Arab World
In her excellent new book, Shami expands her Palestinian identity to a general Arab one. Expressing pride in being a Palestinian Arab. An idea born from a childhood vision to travel across those artificial borders and connect with all Arabs. This book, as a result, is for all Arabs.
A is for Arab, with incredible art by Lama Jawhari, is advertised as a rhyming alphabet storybook about the Arab World. With a story viewed through the perspective of flying on a magic carpet. The carpet stops at each Arab country in alphabetical order. Showcasing the culture in geographic and historical contexts. Although Arab countries share a common language and culture, as well as delicious food among other similarities, they also have many variations. Covering portions of two continents, each country is unique in its beauty, identity, flavors, and spoken dialect.
Crossover of Arabic and English
In fact, the names of the countries are also written in the Arabic alphabet in the book for children who are trying to learn to read in Arabic. This has been the biggest challenge for many Arab-American parents. Children may learn a few cute habibi words in Arabic and the names of some food items. Perhaps calling grandma sitto, and stop at that. However, they don’t get opportunities to see Arabic script in books. They don’t get to hear classical Arabic spoken in their world of video games and modern toys.
This is where this book, read out loud by a parent can shine. Reading it with a child is an opportunity for parents to improvise and add additional names of the beautifully illustrated objects in Arabic. While practicing pronunciation, and allowing the child to answer questions generated by an educational exchange.
Educational Benefits
Although this book covers only a small fraction of what the Arab World offers, it provides an opportunity for families to introduce countries to their children as a conversation opener about geography as well as a chance to learn about the featured iconic sites.
The author hopes kids enjoy this short journey and become inspired to explore more on their own. With a sense of belonging, about this significant region of our planet. Shami hopes proud Arab American kids will entice their non-Arabs friends to join them in this learning adventure.
Wafa Shami, a loving and motivated parent, is an experienced writer who knows how to reach various age groups. From Ramallah to olive oil to a magic carpet with a built-in visa waiver. She clearly picks topics she holds dear. Wafa’s A is for Arab gets an A Plus.
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