Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is an exciting week for picture books. I get to review four beautiful new ones that all are coming out today. You have to tune in each day to see all three. Today's is a multicultural book about visiting extending family and bringing the culture of your family's roots to you. The book is Egyptian Lullaby by Zeena M. Pliska and illustrated by Hatem Aly. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
From the Publisher:
A rich, beautifully layered ode to the great city of Cairo, Egypt, its people, and culture.Every night, my Ametti Fatma sings the sounds of Egypt to me as I fall asleep.
This is the Nile,
that flows through the city.
Swish, swoosh, swish.
This is the boat,
that glides on the Nile,
that flows through the city.
Swish, swoosh, swish.
Each night, a young girl's Auntie Fatma puts her to bed, singing a lullaby filled with rich imagery of her home in Egypt. As Auntie Fatma sings, we are given a glimpse of modern Cairo, from boats making their way down the Nile to gentle calls to prayer from the mosques to young children joyfully playing soccer in the streets.
Join Zeena Pliska and Hatem Aly on a vibrant journey to Cairo in this gorgeous, layered song.
From Me:
This book is perfect for April. It has a lullaby in it and is an ode to Cairo. Parts of it are written in verse and April is National Poetry Month. I love how this book talks about a visit from extended family bringing the memories of their ancestral land. Throughout the book there is culture from language to food and more. Then there is the lullaby that Ametti Fatima sings the narrator to sleep. The song includes sights and sounds of Cairo. The song repeats the sounds and previous verse throughout it.
The illustrations are also wonderful. They are colorful and detailed. They share more of the culture with the reader. The words and pictures create a wonderful image of the city and life there. It brings the other side of the world alive for readers.
This book is perfect for talking about Egypt as well as extended family plus a bit of poetry and lullabies. Over the years, we have explored Egypt from home with fairy tales, books, recipes, crafts and more. Be sure to check out all of our posts to learn more about the culture and for ideas.
