Loading ...The Ultimate Guide: 46 Children's Books that Celebrate Arab Heritage
By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer
Are you searching for the perfect gift for the young readers in your life? This curated list of children’s books celebrates Arab heritage and identity, offering stories that highlight the richness of Arab cultures and traditions. Whether you want to educate, inspire, or simply share a meaningful story, these books provide an excellent way to introduce children to diverse perspectives and help them connect with their roots. Arab America contributing writer, Arwa Almasaari, presents the ultimate guide to gifting books to the little readers in your family with a list organized alphabetically.
A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History
A Kid’s Guide to Arab American History is an engaging book for ages 9–12. It dispels stereotypes and explores the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Arab Americans. The book features chapters on Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian, Egyptian, Iraqi, and Yemeni communities. It also includes over 50 activities, such as dabke dancing, making hummus, and crafting traditional designs. Biographies of notable Arab Americans, like Helen Zughaib and Ralph Nader, highlight the community’s achievements, making this book both inspiring and educational.
A Perfect Day in Lebanon
A Perfect Day in Lebanon is a beautifully illustrated watercolor book for children aged 3–8. It takes young readers on an enchanting journey through Lebanon, exploring its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. From a Lebanese breakfast in Beirut to historic sites like Baalbek and Byblos, the story celebrates Lebanon’s ancient history, multilingual culture, and vibrant traditions.
Abu Jmeel’s Daughter & Other Stories
Abu Jmeel’s Daughter & Other Stories is a collection of 27 traditional Arab folktales, recommended for ages 8-15. Written by Jamal Sleem Nuweihed shortly before her passing, these stories have been passed down through generations. They blend magic, humor, and pathos, capturing Arab culture while exploring universal themes. Translated by her family, this book preserves these beloved tales, which are at risk of being lost.
Baba, What Does My Name Mean? A Journey to Palestine
Baba, What Does My Name Mean? is a picture book for ages 5–12 that follows Saamidah, a young Palestinian refugee, as she discovers the meaning behind her name. Guided by her baba, Saamidah embarks on a poetic journey to her homeland, brought to life through vibrant illustrations. This heartfelt story celebrates Palestinian culture, heritage, and the enduring hope of return.
Baking Bread with Jiddo
Baking Bread with Jiddo is a picture book for children ages 4-8. It tells the story of a young girl’s visit to her grandfather’s house, where they bond as they bake Arab bread together. The book celebrates family, cultural heritage, and the love passed down through generations.
Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library
Behind My Doors is ideal for children ages 4-8. This enchanting picture book takes readers to the Al-Qarawiyyin Library. It is the oldest continuously operating library in the world, founded by a Muslim woman in 859. The story is told from the library’s perspective. It invites children to explore its treasures, from books of knowledge to vibrant discussions that have taken place within its walls.
Birthday Kunafa
Birthday Kunafa is a wordless picture book for children aged 4–8. It follows Amal, who is determined to enjoy the sweetest slice of kunafa on her birthday. Set in Palestine, the story captures Amal’s journey as she overcomes challenges to reach her beloved treat. With a focus on Palestinian food, family, and resilience, the book offers a sensory experience that will captivate young readers.
Easter in Ramallah: A Story of Childhood Memories
Easter in Ramallah is ideal for children ages 4-8. This heartwarming story explores the timeless tradition of celebrating Easter among Palestinian Christian and Muslim families, showcasing the joy of shared holiday customs passed down through generations. Told through the eyes of a child, the book takes readers to a vibrant celebration filled with colorful decorations, drums, and the love and laughter of family and friends.
Egyptian Lullaby
Egyptian Lullaby is a lyrical picture book for ages 4–8, celebrating the beauty and culture of modern Cairo, Egypt. Through Auntie Fatma’s bedtime lullaby, a young girl imagines the vibrant city—the flowing Nile, the call to prayer, and children playing soccer in the streets. With poetic text and stunning illustrations, this book is a love letter to Cairo.
Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love
Eleven Words for Love is ideal for children ages 5-9. It tells the story of a Palestinian family in exile, touching on universal themes of family, loyalty, and friendship. As the family flees their homeland in search of safety, the oldest child reflects on the cherished items in their suitcase—photo albums that evoke eleven Arabic expressions of love. Each word represents a different emotion, from the warmth of friendship to the enduring love that survives hardship.
Everything Comes Next
Everything Comes Next is a poetry collection for readers aged 12 and up. It features Naomi Shihab Nye’s most beloved works alongside new, unpublished poems. With an introduction by Edward Hirsch, writing tips from the poet, and artwork by Rafael López, this book is perfect for classrooms, families, and aspiring poets. It includes favorites like “Famous” and “Kindness,” offering inspiration and a celebration of poetry’s power to connect and uplift.
Farah Rocks
Farah Rocks is a chapter book series featuring an Arab American protagonist, Farah. She is a young girl navigating the challenges of middle school. Farah is funny, smart, and full of energy, but she often feels torn between her Palestinian heritage and her life in America. When a school project unexpectedly goes awry, Farah learns to embrace her roots and gain confidence in being herself.
Hope Is an Arrow: The Story of Lebanese-American Poet Khalil Gibran
Hope Is an Arrow is a book for ages 7–12 that tells the remarkable story of Kahlil Gibran. Gibran was a Lebanese immigrant who became one of the most beloved poets in history. Through his art and poetry, Gibran bridged cultures, uniting his Lebanese heritage with his American experience. The book explores his journey, starting as a boy longing for his homeland, to becoming the author of The Prophet, whose words continue to inspire people worldwide.
Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So
Insha’Allah is a heartwarming picture book for ages 4–8 that explores the common Arabic phrase for life’s uncertainties. Through Ranya’s everyday questions about parks, cookies, and sleepovers, she and her mom explore the meaning of “Insha’Allah.” It’s a hopeful expression of making plans while accepting life’s unpredictability. With cozy illustrations and relatable moments, this joyful story celebrates family, hope, and navigating life’s “maybes.”
Kamal’s Key
Kamal’s Key is a picture book for children aged 6-10. It tells the story of Kamal, a young boy who inherits a symbolic key passed down through generations in his family. This key represents the hope and resilience of the Palestinian people in their ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.
Lana Makes Purple Pizza
Lana Makes Purple Pizza is a heartwarming story for children aged 2–12 that explores Palestinian culture through food. Lana, a young girl, learns to make the traditional dish Msakhan, also known as “purple pizza,” with her mother. As they cook together, Lana discovers the importance of family, tradition, and the rich heritage behind the food.
Little Ricky Explores Morocco
Little Ricky Explores Morocco is perfect for children ages 3-7. Join Little Ricky on an adventure as he discovers the vibrant sights and flavors of Morocco. From beautiful landmarks to delicious food, this fun and playful story introduces young readers to the culture and beauty of Morocco.
My Father’s Shop
My Father’s Shop tells the story of a Moroccan carpet seller’s son who doesn’t want to learn foreign languages, despite his father’s wishes. However, when trying to make a rooster crow in a crowded, tourist-filled market, he unintentionally learns how roosters crow in many countries. The book is ideal for children ages 4–9.
Naseem’s Journey
Naseem’s Journey is perfect for children ages 4-8. This delightful story follows Naseem as he visits his father’s village in Morocco. He meets family, tastes new foods, and makes friends along the way. Through Naseem’s adventure, young readers will discover the joy of having two homes and the beauty of family connections.
Nour’s Secret Library
Nour’s Secret Library is ideal for children ages 6-10. This heartfelt story follows young Nour and her cousin Amir. Together, they create a secret underground library amidst the bombings in their Syrian city. The library becomes a sanctuary of hope, offering an escape for their community through the power of books.
One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University
One Wish is ideal for children ages 4-8. This inspiring picture book tells the true story of Fatima al-Fihri, a determined and visionary woman. She founded Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Driven by her love for learning and her dream of creating a school for everyone, Fatima’s perseverance and faith brought her vision to life. Today, her university continues to educate scholars.
Our World: Egypt
Our World: Egypt is perfect for children ages 2-5. The story brings Egypt’s culture to life with simple, engaging text and beautiful illustrations.
Sitti’s Bird
Sitti’s Bird is recommended for children aged 4–9. This picture book tells the heartfelt story of a young girl in Gaza who cherishes the bird her grandmother gives her. Through the bond between the girl and her Sitti, the book explores themes of love, family, and resilience in the face of hardship. With gentle illustrations, it beautifully captures the strength of hope and connection amid challenging circumstances.
Sitti’s Secrets
Sitti’s Secrets is a heartwarming picture book for children aged 4-8. It focuses on the bond between a young girl, Mona, and her grandmother, Sitti, who lives in a small Palestinian village. Despite the distance and language barrier, Mona and Sitti create their own way of connecting, sharing their worlds and secrets. Through beautiful illustrations, this story celebrates the power of love, family, and the enduring connection that transcends distance.
Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant
Solar Story is ideal for children ages 6-10. Allan Drummond’s engaging narrative and vibrant watercolors bring to life the story of the Noor Solar Power Plant in Morocco’s Sahara Desert. The story follows a young girl on a class field trip. It demonstrates how the plant is transforming her village by providing reliable power, creating jobs, and changing family dynamics.
Stories My Father Told Me: Memories of a Childhood in Syria and Lebanon
Stories My Father Told Me is a beautifully illustrated collection of family stories for children aged 10 and up. The book features 24 full-color plates by Arab American artist Helen Zughaib, whose artwork is described as “dreaming in color.” Accompanied by her father Elia Zughaib’s recollections of his childhood in Syria and Lebanon during the 1930s, the book offers rich cultural insights. It explores Syrian and Lebanese Christian traditions, folk culture, and daily life.
Teta’s Thoub
Teta’s Thoub is a picture book for ages 3–7. It follows a young girl as she discovers the significance of her grandmother’s traditional dress, the thoub. The story highlights how the thoub helps preserve Palestinian heritage and memories. With vibrant illustrations, it celebrates family, tradition, and cultural identity.
The Arabic Quilt
The Arabic Quilt, a picture book for ages 6–10, tells the story of Kanzi, a young Egyptian girl adjusting to a new school in America. After being teased for her cultural differences, Kanzi finds comfort in the Arabic quilt gifted by her teita (grandmother). Inspired, she writes a poem about it. With her teacher’s encouragement, the class creates a paper quilt of their names in Arabic, fostering understanding and acceptance.
The Cat Man of Aleppo
The Cat Man of Aleppo is a picture book for ages 6–10 that tells the heartwarming story of a man named Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who cared for the stray cats of Aleppo during the Syrian conflict. Despite the challenges of war, he found comfort in helping these animals, showing kindness amidst devastation.
The Ghoul
The Ghoul, recommended for ages 3–8, follows a young boy who encounters a ghoul from Arab folklore. Combining suspense and cultural storytelling, the book takes readers on an exciting adventure full of mystery and the supernatural.
The Great Labne Trade
The Great Labne Trade is a picture book for ages 5–8 about Ahmed, a young boy hesitant to bring labne sandwiches to school for fear of standing out. With his mother’s encouragement, Ahmed learns to embrace his Arab heritage and finds a way to share his love for labne with his classmates.
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
The Librarian of Basra is perfect for children ages 6-10. This heartfelt true story recounts the efforts of Alia Muhammad Baker, a librarian in Basra, Iraq, who risks everything to protect her library and its 30,000 books during the Iraq War. As the conflict threatens to destroy the library, Alia takes a stand to preserve the invaluable collection, showing the strength of literature and the importance of safeguarding knowledge.
The Olive Tree Said to Me
The Olive Tree Said to Me is ideal for children ages 5-9. This heartwarming story follows Alia, a young girl, on her journey to learn the tradition of the olive harvest. Along the way, she discovers the beauty of the harvest and the profound importance of the olive tree in uniting generations within the Palestinian community.
The Storyteller
The Storyteller is a beautifully illustrated picture book for children aged 7–10 that celebrates the power of storytelling. In a kingdom at the edge of the Sahara, a young boy discovers the magic of stories. He listens to the last remaining storyteller recount tales of a great drought and a mystical bird. Through vibrant illustrations, this folktale inspires young readers to appreciate the art of storytelling and the wisdom it carries.
The Storyteller of Damascus
The Storyteller of Damascus is a picture book for ages 6–10. The story is about an old storyteller who takes children on a magical journey through his wonder box. The box shows the love story of Sami and Leyla. As the story fades, so does the tradition of storytelling itself. With beautiful illustrations, it celebrates the rich culture of Damascus and explores themes of love and change.
These Olive Trees
These Olive Tree is ideal for children ages 6-10. It tells the powerful story of Oraib, a young Palestinian girl whose deep connection to the olive trees symbolizes her family’s enduring bond with the land. Set in 1967 in Nablus, Palestine, the story follows Oraib as war forces her family to flee. Before leaving, she makes a heartfelt promise to the beloved trees, ensuring their legacy will live on.
Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta 1325-1354
Traveling Man is ideal for children ages 5-9. This beautifully illustrated book by James Rumford brings to life the incredible journey of Ibn Battuta, the famed 14th-century Moroccan traveler. Through rich retellings of his travels and vibrant maps inspired by Persian miniatures and Moroccan tiles, children will learn about Ibn Battuta’s adventures and the cultures he encountered across the world.
Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!: A Palestinian Folktale
Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur! is ideal for children ages 4-8. This humorous and lively story follows a mischievous little pot that causes trouble by taking things that don’t belong to her. With the catchy refrain “Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!” echoing through the story, children will enjoy the playful rhythm while learning about the consequences of mischief.
Umm Kulthum
Umm Kulthum is recommended for children aged 6–10. This picture book tells the inspiring story of the legendary Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthum, who overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the most iconic voices in the Arab world. It highlights her early life, her struggle for recognition, and her profound impact on Arab culture. With vibrant illustrations, the book celebrates her resilience, talent, and the lasting legacy of her music.
Under The Sana’a Skyline
Under The Sana’a Skyline follows Belquis, a young girl living in the ancient city of Old Sana’a, Yemen. When a global writing competition challenges her to inspire the world, she struggles to find hope amidst the hardships of war. Through her journey, Belquis uncovers the beauty of her culture, the strength of her community, and the resilience of the human spirit. This moving story, perfect for readers aged 9–12, weaves history, hope, and humanity into an unforgettable tale.
We Are Palestinian
We Are Palestinian is recommended for children aged 9 and up. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates Palestinian culture, exploring traditions, food, music, and history. Through engaging stories and vibrant artwork, young readers will discover the richness of Palestine’s heritage.
We’re Sailing Down the Nile
We’re Sailing Down the Nile is ideal for children ages 4-8. This captivating journey along the mighty Nile River introduces young readers to the wonders of ancient Egypt through a lilting, rhyming narrative. As they sail, children will discover the beauty and history of Egypt, including its gods and goddesses, landmarks, and more.
When Za’atar Met Zeit
When Za’atar Met Zeit is a charming picture book for ages 3–7, celebrating Arab cuisine. It tells the story of how two key ingredients, za’atar and olive oil, come together to create a delicious dish.
Yalla, Let Me Show You Palestine
Yalla, Let Me Show You Palestine tells the story of Yousef, a Palestinian child starting school in the United States. On his first day, Yousef takes on an exciting task: sharing the uniqueness and joy of his culture with his new classmates. Throughout the day, Yousef uses classroom materials and the environment to express his Palestinian identity. The book is suitable for children ages 4-8.
Zamzam
Zamzam is a heartwarming picture book for children aged 5-9. It follows a young boy named Zamzam as he navigates life between his two homes—New York City and Alexandria, Egypt. Though the two cities are different in many ways, from the sights and sounds to the flavors, the one constant in his life is the love of his family.
Zeit and Zaatar
Zeit and Zaatar is a delightful picture book for children ages 4-8. When a young boy’s family runs out of peanut butter, his mom introduces him to a traditional Palestinian snack: olive oil (zeit) and zaatar, a savory herb mix. As they prepare the snack together, they create a song to explore its history. This charming story celebrates culture, family, and the simple joys of sharing food.
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