National Day is an opportunity not only to celebrate the history and achievements of the ¬UAE, but it’s also the perfect time for expat parents to help kids engage with the unique culture of their beautiful host country. Telling stories is the perfect way to introduce little ones to new walks of life as it allows time and space for them to ask plenty of questions and you can explore the tales together at your own pace.
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Throughout the Arabic world oral storytelling has been a key way to pass on traditions and heritage, so it’s befitting that one of the ways to get kids interested in the fascinating culture of their adopted homeland is by swapping out some of their bedtime stories for books that depict Emirati life and experiences. Recently there’s been a flurry of English language children’s books about life in the Emirates from Emirati authors themselves, but also from seasoned expats who want to celebrate the country they live in. Here’s just a few to get you started…
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ZAYOODI’S ADVENTURES, BY SARAH SILLIS: Originally Belgian Sarah Sillis launched this series when she discovered the shortage of socially relevant books in English for her Emirati son. Together with partner Dina Nahas she created the character of Zayoodi, based on Sarah’s son Zayed and his experiences and adventures as a four-year-old boy. Zayoodi Goes to the Parade - the first book in a series that includes books, games, and puzzles – sees the little Emirati boy attend a national day parade and learn about national dress and UAE identity. All products from Zayoodi’s Adventures have one clear aim, to teach expat children in early primary school years about the UAE, its traditions and culture in a fun and interactive way. They also touch upon some basic Arabic vocabulary. You can find the books at Bookworm in Dubai (04 394 5770) and Early Starters in Abu Dhabi (050 282 3689).
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TWO GREAT LEADERS, BY HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM: This prestigious book is a colourfully illustrated account of the UAE's founding President, Sheikh Zayed and his late father, Sheikh Rashid, following their realisation of a joint vision for a country where children’s dreams can come true. Great for getting to grips with the history of the country and translated from the high-profile Arabic version, this entertaining tale encourages a future generation of youngsters to read and remember the UAE’s past. Available from Store.gulfnews.com.
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THE BOY WHO KNEW MOUNTAINS, BY MICHELE ZIOLKOWSKI: The creators of this storybook are both Australian women, but writer Michele Ziolkowski knows UAE heritage well, not only from her work as an archaeologist but through her husband and his family, who are Emirati. Inspired by the challenges faced by her autistic son and her mother-in-law’s tales about life in Fujairah before the oil boom, the story follows 11-year-old Suhail who is shunned by his community because of his special abilities, and is set in the real-life village of Al Hayl. The narrative is imaginatively rendered by illustrator Susanna Billson who aimed to depict the mountains of Fujairah in all their rugged beauty. Available at Mumzworld.com.
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KAMEEL’S LITTLE SECRET, BY HASSAN AL MARASHI: Written by Emirati author Hassan Al Marashi, this classic, vividly illustrated children’s story follows Kameel the camel – who was being teased by the other camels at the market - on his journey to the desert, where he makes new friends and learns an important lesson. Available from Store.gulfnews.com.
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TALES OF HAMAD, BY AHMED AL SHOAIBI: Engineer Dr Ahmed Al Shoaibi set out to help explain the roots of Emirati patriotism to children with his series of stories based around the adventures of a curious and respectful 10-year-old Emirati boy named Hamad. The books cover many facets of Emirati culture, from re¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬specting your elders to understanding why and how Eid¬¬¬¬¬¬ is celebrated, and the history of fishing in the UAE and its importance as a way of life and source of income for UAE dwellers of the past. Available from Alrawypublishing.com
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I SPY A DESERT and COUNT WITH ME, BY SHABA KHAN: Al Shoaibi’s publisher, Al Rawy Publishing, also produces a number of English language stories that are perfect for familiarizing toddlers and younger children with aspects of the UAE culture, using simpler formats like counting and rhyming books with an Emirati angle, such as these two (above) from author Shama Khan, illustrated by Latifa Ahli. Available from Alrawypublishing.com
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THE PEARL DIVER, BY JULIA JOHNSON: This beautiful book follows a boy called Saeed as he is taught how to dive for pearls by his father on his first trip out on the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Carefully researched from oral and written sources – some dating from more than 150 years ago – this charmingly illustrated children’s book offers an insight into the way of life that sustained the Arabian Gulf right up until the discovery of oil. Ideal for 8-12 year olds, this book has sold more than 40,000 copies since it was published in 2003. Available from Medinapublishing.com.
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THE KEY TO DUBAI, LILIANE VAN DER HOEVEN: Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched, this fascinating children's book reveals Dubai's past and present with amazing facts and colourful images. An ideal read for trivia-loving youngsters living in the city, the nature and culture of Dubai is brought to life with entertaining details, lively descriptions and absorbing images. The Key to Abu Dhabi is also available, on sale at Store.gulfnews.com.
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DANIEL OF THE DESERT, BY DAN BRYANT: After overhearing his parent’s plan to move to Dubai, a little British boy named Daniel becomes nervous at the thought of leaving his home and family. Naive and with misconceptions of Dubai - a city built in the desert- Daniel’s concerns are soon forgotten once he starts school and strikes up a friendship with an Emirati boy named Hamad. Through this friendship, Daniel learns about the diversity and tolerance of the people in Dubai, and that you can often find friends when you least expect it! Published by Al Rawy Publishing, available at Alrawypublishing.com.
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THE PENGOUINS, BY ASMA AL KETBI: This charming story is about a family of four little penguins who live in Dubai. They meet the Bedouins of Liwa and fall in love with their culture, clothes and dates! So the penguins decide to travel through the desert from Dubai to Liwa on a very exciting adventure. Available from Noon.com.
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