Dar el-Shorouk
and
Sunflower
Books
Children’s Books
Available Rights
2 0 0 6
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Sunflower
Books
The titles of this imprint focus on stories, and anecdotes from the Arab World authored in English by writers
who have first hand experience with Arab culture. By introducing this series, Shorouk hopes to provide a
new and balanced insight into a world that has been often neglected or misunderstood.
Denys Johnson-Davies is the renowned pioneer translator of modern Arabic literature into English and a
veteran Arabist. Almost single-handedly he has introduced contemporary Arabic literature to English readers
most famously Nobel-prize winner Naguib Mahfouz. Over the last 10 years he has also established himself
as a writer for children.
The Alleyways of Cairo
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Yasser Gaessa
A colorful story adapted from a well-known Egyptian folktale. The young
adventurous hero, Ali Zaybak, leads a series of remarkable escapades
with his sharp wit and speed of action. All this is for a cause too, for he
is out to get the better of the cruel Chief of Police. If you liked Robin
Hood, then you will definitely enjoy this original Egyptian tale that shares
a similar theme of an amiable outcast who protects the poor and weak
by standing up to the tyrant. However, the setting is not the lush English
forest but the enchanting urban life of medieval Cairo.
ISBN: 977-09-1147-x
Pages: 83
Amr of Egypt
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
Amr Ibn El ‘Aas was famous as one of the greatest of Arab generals.
After converting to Islam at the hands of the Prophet, he eventually
became the first Muslim Governor of Egypt. This exciting story tells of a
man of battle who was also known for his sharp intelligence.
ISBN: 977-09-1328-6
Pages: 36
Saladin
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
Saladin, one of history's great figures, is at the centre of this exciting
story. Famous throughout the world as the general who successfully
fought against the invaders who came from Europe at the time of the
Crusades, Saladin was a man of noble character. He was known and
still remembered for the generous way he treated even his enemies.
ISBN: 977-09-1316-2
Pages: 48
1
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Tales From the Arabian Nights
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
One volume compilation of the best stories of the “Arabian
Nights” published by Sunflower Books and retold by Denys
Johnson-Davies.
This elegant edition includes the following titles:
The Two Abdullas, Three Men From Baghdad, The Magic Horse,
and The Jar of Olives.
ISBN: 977-09-1389-X
Pages: 156
The Two Abdullas
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
Abdulla the fisherman casts his net day after day without catching a single
fish. How is he going to be able to feed his family?
Then the day comes when he makes an unusual catch and becomes the
friend of another Abdulla: The sea-Abdulla. Read how the fortunes of the
earthern Abdulla are changed forever in this exciting story adapted from the
famous “Arabian Nights”.
ISBN: 977-09-0871-X
Pages: 44
The Acrobats of Marrakesh
The Cat & the Artist
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Roggero Giangiacomi
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Roggero Giangiacomi
Without any rain for yet another year
a Moroccan farmer faces hunger. So
the whole family learns new skills which
they plan to use in the famous Square
of Marrakesh.
The author tells a story of a cat who finds
friendship with an artist.
The simple events take place in a seaside
Moroccan town where the famous artist
Ruggero Giangiacomi now lives. The painter
thus brings to the illustrations his love for both
cats and the place he has made his home.
ISBN: 977-09-0998-X
Pages: 28
Zaynab the Beautiful
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Yasser Gaessa
This poor but beautiful girl wants a
husband who is intelligent. She shows
her own intelligence by the way she
tests the young men who want to marry
her. When she finally finds the man
who passes her test they share some
extraordinary adventures.
ISBN: 977-09-0746-4
Pages: 36
ISBN: 977-09-0872-X
Pages: 28
Three Men from Baghdad
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Abdel-Aal
Tells three separate stories from the “Arabian
Nights”, all of them linked together by the
presence of the great Caliph Haroun AlRashid.In each tale the supernatural plays
a central part and leads to a thrilling climax.
ISBN: 977-09-0871-1
Pages: 40
2
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
On a Desert Island
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Mostafa Hussein
Hayy Ibn Yaqzan is an infant boy stranded
on an uninhabited desert island. He was
nursed and fed by a gazelle and grew to
speak the language of the animals and birds.
His solitary life on the island caused him to
think and meditate, and thus realize the
concept of an Almighty creator of all creatures
and things.
This story has been translated from Arabic
into many languages, and is thought to be
the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s famous
Robinson Crusoe.
The World's Greatest
Traveller Ibn Battouta
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Yasser Gaessa
Some 700 years ago Ibn Battouta set out from
the port of Tangier in Morocco with the intention
of performing the Pilgrimage to Mecca. It was
only after twenty-four years that he returned
to his homeland.
During that time he traveled the enormous
distance of 75,000 miles, making him one of
the world’s greatest and earliest travel writers.
ISBN: 977-09-0863-0
Pages: 60
ISBN: 977-09-0905-3
Pages: 28
The Jar of Olives
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Ahme Abdul-Wahab
A dishonest merchant cunningly steals
some money from his trusting friend, Ali
Khoja. For lack of witnesses, the merchant
is acquitted by the Qadi. What is it that
eventually gives him away? This thrilling
story, taken from the famous “Arabian
Nights”, tells how a bright young boy is
able to help the Caliph solve the crime.
A Desert Adventure,
The Love Story of Antar & Abla
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Ashraf Abdel-Azeem
One of the great love stories from the
Arab past. This traditional tale tells of
the hopeless love of the black slave
Antar for the beautiful Abla, the daughter
of a noble family.
ISBN: 977-09-0871-1
Pages: 72
ISBN: 977-09-0802-9
Pages: 48
The Companions of
the Prophet Muhammad
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Ashraf Abdel-Azeem
During his time the Prophet was helped by
a number of people who embraced Islam
and became his close followers.
This book gives a brief glimpse into the
exciting lives of these men and women
who came to be known as the Companions.
ISBN: 977-09-0860-6
Pages: 48
The Magic Horse
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Mostafa Hussein
Tales from Syria
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Safaa Nabaa
A selection of eight lively tales from
the rich heritage of Syrian folklore.
ISBN: 977-09-0830-4
Pages: 44
Tales of Thieves & Robbers
By: Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
Winner of: The Bologna Ragazzi-New
Horizons Award, Special Mention, 2003
This classic tale from the famous
Arabian Nights, tells how a wooden
horse with supernatural powers plays
a central role in bringing together the
gallant prince and the beautiful girl his
heart has chosen for a wife.
A collection of ten amusing tales taken from
Arabic literature about thieves who think
themselves clever in cheating people. Whether
cheating Goha or a poor man, a rich merchant
or the Imam himself, these culprits are more
often than not found out and punished!
ISBN: 977-09-0905-3
Pages: 32
ISBN: 977-09-0745-6
Pages: 54
3
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
The Camel that Had No Hump
By: Mandy Fessenden Brauer
Illustrated by: Helmi El Touni
All the camels are worried when a baby camel is born among them
without a hump. The adult camels try unsuccessfully to fix this problem.
Surprising events lead to a happy ending to this gentle story where
children expand perceptions of the differently gifted among all of us.
An attractive picture-book story with unusual illustrations of a very hip
and upbeat camel community: pink camels, camels-in-sneakers,
bespectacled, and pearl-beaded camels!
ISBN: 977-09-1289-1
Pages: 38
Goodnight My Cairo
By: Mandy Fessenden Brauer
Illustrated by: Helmi El Touni
Goodnight golden sun that comes to greet every day.
Goodnight mighty Nile where feluccas sail and children play
A wonderful work of art, this elegant book is an artistic expression of love
for one of the biggest cities of the world. A little boy is getting ready to sleep,
and before he goes to bed he bids goodnight to all that he loves about Cairo
ISBN: 977-09-1300-6
in a tender heartfelt poem.
Pages: 20
Any child who has visited the Egyptian capital, or wishes to visit it one day,
will have these splendid images in his mind: the sun, the Nile, the Sphinx,
the camels, the Pyramids, the busy streets, the desert, the cats and the
monuments. All of this is captured by this simple rhyme written by Mandy
Brauer who lives in Egypt and writes for children.
In each page a captivating Cairo scene is beautifully depicted, making this
book a fascinating collection of sixteen paintings by the renowned Egyptian
contemporary artist Helmy El Touni.
Sebek, The Lonely Crocodile...
A Special Smile
By: Mandy Brauer
Illustrated by: Yasser Gaessa
By: Mandy Brauer
Illustrated by: Mostafa Rahma
Sebek wants to be accepted and loved in two
worlds. Unlike most crocodiles he wants to just
have fun and splash around with the children in
the river Nile. Still, he yearns for the respect of
his parents, his fellow crocodiles, and the other
creatures of the Nile.
This endearing story of how kindness and courage
resolve the dilemma of a crocodile who just wants
to be himself, is full of interesting and fun facts
about crocodiles.
An air of mystery is created by the presence
of a strange green object floating above
the President’s house. Wasting no time in
solving this mystery, the President is in for
a big surprise! The source of the mysterious
object turns out to be an inspiration and an
invitation to understand and indeed
celebrate differences between people.
ISBN: 977-09-1066-X
Pages: 20
ISBN: 977-09-0971-8
Pages: 32
Mandy Brauer is a professor and child psychologist with extensive clinical experience with children,
as well as a published writer.
4
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Belia’s Find, Abdu’s Magic Light, Broken Biscuits, The Cart.
By: Eileen Lucas
Illustrated by : Yasser Ga’essa
The characters of this series; Belia, his sister Tofaha, his mother Adeila and his father Abdu the
fisherman, are a small loving family. They are based on the dolls created by the artist Badr Hamada.
The stories portray the amusing adventures of Belia and his sister.
Age: 3+
Format: 15 x 15 cm
Pages: 24
The Series' Titles are:
ISBN: 977-09-1075-9
ISBN: 977-09-1076-7
ISBN: 977-09-1079-X
ISBN: 977-09-1073-2
Three Tales from Ancient Egypt
Adapted and illustrated by Samir Sobhy
A careful selection of ancient Egyptian tales and myths based on the hieroglyphic
translations made by Maspero, Lefebvre and others, and adapted in English
for children and young readers. Like dreams, these myths are utterly strange
yet hauntingly familiar. They give us hints about ancient Egyptian life, but
they also tell us about human nature, good and evil, and common fears,
hopes, and longings.
ISBN: 977-09-1297-2
Pages: 40
5
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Ana Wa Gedaty "Me and My Grandmother"
By: Fatma ElMa’doul
Illustrated by: Helmi El Touni
An inspiring family story about a modern boy and his
old-fashioned grandmother and the astonishing transformations they
experience together.
Brilliantly designed and illustrated, the book takes the form of a
schoolboy's personal journal where he writes the events of the story
and vividly draws them in a child's expressive manner.
Having to leave his parents' modern home to go stay at his
grandmother's old place, Mahmoud is initially unhappy although he
loves her very much. An unexpected incident turns his discontent into
a positive energy that changes both their lives.
A progressive story about change and transformation, companionship
and family love, and the creative reconciliation between old and new.
ISBN: 977-09-1362-6
Pages: 39
Fatma El Ma’doul is one of the most beloved Arab writers of children’s books. The wit, humor and child
appeal of her books has gained her a variety of national and international awards.
Helmi El Touni is a renowned artist in Egypt and throughout the Arab world. His children's book designs and
illustrations have won him a number of international awards. He was nominated to the IBBY's Hans Christian
Anderson Award in 2004 . This year, the African Writers' Association nominated him for the Swedish Astrid
Lindgren Memorial Award for his entire body of work.
6
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Egyptian Celebrations Series
An insightful and joyful tour around the festive details of the holidays celebrated in Egypt. For children who
celebrate Christmas, Hanukah or Halloween in their own culture, they can get a glimpse of how children in
other parts of the world experience their holidays.
A wonderful way to understand and appreciate the customs of a people, recognizing the similarities that make
holiday celebrations universal as well as understanding and appreciating the differences.
Age: 4-9
Format: 22.5 x 22.5 cm
The Series' Titles are:
1 Simsimiya..Bondokiya "Sesame Sweet..Hazelnut Candy !"
By: Randa Aboulmagd
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
Sesame sweets and hazelnut candy are only some of the treats and delights
associated with Mulid El-Naby or Prophet Muhammad's birthday. In this visually
amusing story, we walk with the little boy "Nader" and his grandfather in the
lively streets of Cairo. In a simple rhyme, they describe the bursting smells
and flavors in the air, the dazzling lights everywhere, and the brilliant colors
of the swings of the street funfair.
ISBN: 977-09-1089-9
Pages: 24
2 Layla Motheera Giddan "A Very Exciting Night !"
By: Randa Aboulmagd
Illustrated by: Rania Abulmaaty
Amira and Amin wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of strange
noises. Determined to solve this midnight mystery, they put on their
detective coats and Amira takes her little pen and notebook. To their
surprise, they find all the women and girls of their extended family
assembled in the kitchen and on the dining table! What are they busy
doing?
EID COOKIES! It's the end of the Ramadan month, and its time for the
biggest holiday of the year!
The softly pleasant colors of the illustrations immediately send out a cozy
heartwarming effect to this lovely book.
ISBN: 977-09-1295-6
Pages: 28
7
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Moghamarat Shamsa wa Dana "Adventures of Shamsa and Dana"
By: Samira Shafik
Illustrated by: Ihab Shaker
Shamsa & Dana cartoon strips are best-selling favorites for many little girls and young teens throughout
the Arab world. Throughout the Arab world the two lovable characters are best friends who lead an
independent life on a tiny desert island in the middle of the ocean. However there's always one exciting
adventure or another going on in this otherwise dreamlike peaceful world!
Shamsa is a smart brainy girl who loves books and has a passion for cooking. She can be a little
bossy sometimes though.
Dana is more interested in fashion and beauty; she has a passion for art and music and is very
talented in both.
On the island there are permanent friends that keep the two girls company:
Habouba is a little lamb who loves to play around all day and eat lots of vegetables. She prefers
Dana's company.
Salma is a 200-year-old turtle, a very good friend of Mansour's and the main mode of transportation
for the girls.
Mansour is a grumpy but kind old falcon who used to be a military and hero in his youth. Now he
only runs errands for the girls, brings the mail, or does shopping.
Ser El Markeb
"The Mystery Ship
and the Hungry Captain"
Cleopatra
Age: 7+
Format: 23.5 x 31 cm
Pages: 48
ISBN: 977-09-0729-4
Age: 7+
Format: 23.5 x 31 cm
Pages: 48
ISBN: 977-09-0873-8
Shamsa and Dana wake up in the
middleof one night to find a huge boat
on the beachof their little island. Curious
to discover the secret behing it they go
exploring but are captured by the crew
for trespassing! Thy are saved only by
the Captain’s voracious appetite for
Shamsa’s cooking... In the meantime
they discover a dangerous secret plot
awaiting the Captain who they manage
to save at the end!
A collection of exciting adventures
and funny antics by two and only
fabulous super stars of desert island:
Shamsa and Dana!
8
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Da'awa Ela Paris "An Invitation to Paris"
.. Law Kont Malekan! ".. If I Were King!"
One day Shamsa, Dana, and friends
receive an invitation to visit Paris. Realizing
that they don’t have enough money to buy
plane tickets they decide to write a series
of stories about Paris and submit them in
a writing competition so that if they win,
they can buy the tickets.
A collection of amusing stories about Paris.
One day Shamsa reads a book about the greatest
queens of the world and decides to be the island’s
queen; but her friends disagree, each one of
them thinking he’d make a better ruler. Their
imaginations flow, drawing a picture of their ideal
kingdoms…
Winner of the Suzanne Mubarak Competition
for Children’s List (2002).
Age: 7+
Format: 23.5 x 31 cm
Pages: 48
ISBN: 977-09-0873-8
Age: 7+
Format: 23.5 x 31 cm
Pages: 48
ISBN: 977-09-0729-4
Hekayet Sultan "The Sultan Who Told Boring Stories"
This story is about being true to oneself and to others
whether they are friends or enemies! The Sultan Agbaan
loves to tell stories to his ministers that he invents
himself. The ministers - afraid of his anger - pretend to
enjoy his stories, laughing and applauding
enthusiastically, till one day... a new minister says he
doesn't like the sultan's stories, doesn't find them funny,
and in fact even finds them to be boring!
Age: 8+
Format: 28 x 22 cm
Pages: 48
ISBN: 977-09-0843-6
Hekayet Aragoz "A Story of a Clown Puppet"
A story about the clown puppet who falls in love with a Sugar
Doll. The puppet is hesitant to reveal his feelings because
he is afraid of rejection and of competition with the mounted
Sugar Knight.
Winner of the Best Author Prize from the Suzanne Mubarak
Competition for Children’s Literature (2000). Illustrations
mentioned on th IBBY Honour List (2002).
Samira Shafik is best known for her creation of the famous characters
of the series “Shamsa & Dana” which have been in print for over 20
years, illustrated by Ihab Shaker.
Age: 5+
Format: 31 x 31 cm
Pages: 16
ISBN: 977-09-0650-6
Ihab Shaker is a veteran caricaturist since 1953 and award-winning
illustrator of children’s books.
9
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Tafadal Ma’y “Have a Bite”
By: Amany Al- Ashmawy
Illustrated by: Lojaina Al-Assil
A sweet story about a generous little boy who invites the animals of
the jungle to join him in his lunch of meat and vegetables. To his
surprise, he discovers that some animals are only herbivorous while
others are only carnivorous! The bright illustrations of the gorilla, tiger,
hippo, rhino and lion are lots of fun.
Age: 6+
Format: 22 x 24 cm
Pages: 24
ISBN: 977-09-1130-5
Maza Gara? “What Is The Matter?”
By: Amany Al- Ashmawy
Illustrated by: Lojaina Al-Assil
Learning about animals is always fun for young children. In this book,
the prize-winning author Amany Ashmawy playfully introduces the
reader to new and sometimes seemingly strange vocabulary depicting
the sounds of different domestic, farm, and wild animals. The wonderful
illustrations of Syrian Artist Lougaina Al Aseel are an added treat.
Age: 6+
Format: 22 x 24 cm
Pages: 24
ISBN: 977-09-1342-1
Amany Al-Ashmawy studied Law and has lived and studied in Egypt, Switzerland and Kuwait. In 1992
she devoted herself to writing for children. She was awarded Best Author prize from the Suzanne Mubarak
Competititon for Children’s Literature for the above books in 2000 and 2003, respectively.
Lojaina Al-Assil is a Syrian artist who has been illustrating children’s books for over 30 years.
She designed several commercials, animated movies children’s series. She teaches at the
Damascus Fine Arts Faculty.
10
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Hekayat El Hakim Loukamn "Fables by Loukman, the Wise Old Man"
By: Amany Al-Ashmawy
Illustrated by: Mustapha Rahma
Fourteen fables of long ago, starring the old sage Loukman and his apprentice
Omran. Each fable takes them to a different place where they meet new
people who have an unusual problem or dilemma. You will find in Loukman's
wise solutions much to reflect about while enjoying these imaginative fables.
Winner of the best book design award in the 2005 BeirutBook Fair.
Age: 8+
Format: 22 x 20 cm hardback
Pages: 116
ISBN: 977-09-1062-7
Al-Wasfa Al-Ageeba Wa Akhawat'ha "The Wonder Recipe and its Sisters"
By: Amany Al-Ashmawy
Illustrated by: Bahgat Othman
As an homage to her grandmother’s story-telling, Amany Al Ashmawy wrote
this unique and interesting set of stories which have remained engraved in
her memory since childhood. Seventeen short stories with different human
and animal characters, each portrays universal experiences, principles and
values of humanity unaffected by time and place.
Age: 7+
Format: 27 x 20 cm
Pages: 72
ISBN: 977-09-0619-0
Hekayet Al-Hekayat "The Story of All Stories"
A collection of 15 short stories from all corners, and continents, of the world.
Often intriguing, sometimes frustrating, but always funny and amusing,
these wonderfully written stories are a perfect window to the world. Since
each story is taken from the literature or oral tradition of a different country,
the collection reflects the true characteristics, temperaments and peculiarities
of the different peoples and cultures of the world.
Bahgat Othman is a famous political cartoonist and one of the icons of children’s
book illustration in the region. He passed away in 2001.
Age: 5+
Format: 27 x 20 cm
Pages: 80
ISBN: 977-09-0859-2
11
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Kan Zaman "Once Upon a Time" (Series of Coloring Books)
1. Egyptian Scenes
2. Egyptian Doors
by: Helmy El-Touni
A wonderfully unique coloring book series:
Unique in size and format
Unique in authenticity
Unique in its appeal to all age groups
These books are coloring books and history and
pop-culture books at the same time.
Typical Egyptian puppets, Ramadan lanterns,
traditional street vendors, pottery, dolls and joy rides
are some of the wonderful aspects of Egyptian folk
culture to be found in the title “Egyptian Scenes”.
“Egyptian Doors” presents a collection of the various
styles of doors, gates and windows that can be seen
throughout Egypt.
Format: 20.5 x 28 cm
Pages: 32
ISBN:977-09-1312-x
Aimed for people who are curious about traditional
and popular Egyptian art, the large detailed
illustrations depict scenes and objects which
represent the traditions, habits and folk culture some
of which is in danger of extinction!
After coloring the pictures, the large format is aimed
at inviting the child to pull out and hang up his or
her work.
Now available in smaller format.
Format: 48 x 34 cm
Pages: 32
Format: 20.5 x 28 cm
Pages: 32
ISBN:977-09-1313-8
Format: 48 x 34 cm
Pages: 24
12
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Hayat Muhammad fee 20 Qissah "The Life of Muhammad in 20 Stories"
By: Abdel-Tawab Youssef
Illustrated by: Salah Bissar
A unique book written especially for children and young
readers about the prophet of Islam, Muhamma. The stories
highlight his personality traits and the major events of his
life. Each of the 20 stories is told by animals, plants, and
even objects, which witnessed those historic events.
Abdul-Tawwab Yusuf is one of the most famous and
beloved children's book writers in the Arab world, with
over 300 titles to his name.
Salaheddin Bissar is a journalist and artist known for his
authentic Egyptian naïve style.
Format: 28 x 22 cm
Pages: 160
ISBN: 977-09-0537-2
Winner of:
Bologna Ragazzi – New Horizons Publishing Award 2000
Best Publisher Prize & Best Artist (2nd Prize) from the Suzanne Mubarak Competition
for Children’s Literature (1999)
Award of the Associazione Culturate L’Età Verde 1998.
Available in English language, and translated in Turkey.
13
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Ahsan Al-Qisas "Best Stories" Series:
By: Ahmed Bahgat
Illustrated by: Helmy El-Touni
This 5-title series is based on animal stories from the Quran, the holy book for Moslems. Some of these
stories have also been mentioned in the Bible as well. The text is very well adapted to the 4-8 year age group
whether to be read to them by an adult or to be read by themselves.
The book are abundant with illustrations allowing children to “read” the story through the images, thus gracefully
introducing the new-comer to religious literature.
Ahmed Bahgat is a prominent Egyptian Sufi writer journalist with a daily column in several major Arab
newspapers. Well-known for his Sufi love and respect for animals, he has written for children and adults alike.
His elegant and clear style has rendered his children’s books Arabic bestsellers
Age: 4+
Format: 22 x 22 cm
Pages: 12
The Series' Titles are:
Naqat Saleh
"Saleh's Camel"
Hout Younes
"Jonah's Whale"
Hodhod Sulaiman
"Solomon's Hoopoe"
Ghorab Qabil wa Habil
"Cain & Abel's Crow"
Feel Abraha
"Abraha's Elephant"
14
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Kalematy Al-Oula "My First Words"
By: Amira Aboulmagd
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
A bilingual first book containing more than 500 words in
classical Arabic as well as in English. It is designed both
for the Arabic reader and the English reader as an aid to
expanding vocabulary in either language.
The words have been carefully selected such as to be both
familiar and easy to read or pronounce. Each frame depicting
a scene from daily life is surrounded by individual close-ups
of the key words, thus making this a fun word - association
book for very young children. For the Arabic reader/learner
this book has been designed with an aim at proving that the
Arabic language is beautiful and fun to learn.
The cheerful, colorful illustrations by talented artist Walid
Taher indeed ensure that this is a child - friendly word book.
Reprinted three times since first appearing in 2002, “My First
Words” has been a huge success and continues to top our
best-seller list.
Age: 4-11
Format: 30 x 23 cm
Pages: 48
ISBN: 977-09-0851-7
Horoufi El Gamila "My Lovely Letters"
Illustrated by: Walid Taher
A modern Arabic alphabet book suitable for native Arabic
speakers as well as young learners of Arabic as a second
language.
Presents an innovative approach to learning the Arabic letters
as well as their sequence in the alphabet.
Concieved, designed, and brightly illustrated with the cheerful
colours of artist Walid Taher.
Spin- offs include a colouring book and flash cards.
Format: 19 x 19 cm
Pages: 60
ISBN: 977-09-0851-7
15
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Agmal Al-Hekayat Al-Sha`abeyya "The Most Beautiful Folk Tales"
By: Yaacoub El-Sharouni
Illustrated by: Helmy El-Touni
A collection of 6 carefully selected Arabic folk tales that are full
of excitement, magic and timeless moral values. Together with
dazzling illustrations and elegant design, these folk tales are
written in a modern style that makes them appealing to children
today.
The heroes of “Gameel and Gameela” evoke feelings of allembracing love and optimism. In “The Dates of Clever Hasan”,
nature helps the kind Hasan achieve victory against evil, while
“The Cowardly Prince” takes you on a black horse through the
realm of discovery to teach the young reader the importance
of honesty even when you feel that circumstances are forcing
you to deceive.
Yaacoub El Sharouni is one of the few Arabic children’s books
authors who have focused professionally on the re-writing and
retelling of Arab and Eastern folk tales which are an important
part of his 250-plus book contribution to the Arabic children’s
book treasury.
Winner of Bologna Ragazzi – New Horizons Publishing
Award 2002
Age: all ages
Format: 31.5 x 22 cm
Pages: 88
ISBN: 977-09-0969-4
Al Amira Al Mazlooma "The Banished Princess"
By: Ragy Enayat
Illustrated by: Helmi El Touni
An inspirational tale exquisitely designed and illustrated..
The goodhearted and peace loving Princess Aziza is saddened by the
cruelty of her uncle, who succeeded her more compassionate father
in ruling the kingdom. He punishes her for criticizing him by banishing
her in an excluded tower. She manages escapes with the help of the
guards who appreciated her for her gentle personality.
Princess Aziza wanders away until she meets a handsome farmer
whom she marries. Together they start a new family and their little
land attracts other families for its peacefulness and prosperity. Little
by little, a whole new town is formed around Aziza ; and then comes
the crucial second meeting with her uncle the King…
Age: 9-13
Format: 28x 28 cm Paperback
Pages: 24
ISBN: 977-09-1362-6
Winner of the Bronze Medal in the 1982 International Leipzig Book
Fair, for its outstanding illustration and design.
16
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
A Goha Trilogy
Retold by: Ahmad Bahgat
Illustrated by: Mustapha Hussein
For centuries, the popular figure of "Goha" the wise fool has survived in the fables and imaginations of the
peoples of the Middle East. This simple eccentric, is said to be a fool, but he is clever and conniving and
usually outwits every sultan he encounters in an intelligent and absurdly funny way.
The year 1996 was proclaimed "Nasreddin Hoca year" by UNESCO. Hoca, or Goha is called Hoja or Koja
Nasreddin, the hodja, the mullah or the "wise fool". He is, now in 2006, 798 years old. His origins are unclear.
Was he a real person or a legendary figure? At present, the general consensus is that he was born in a small
village in Turkey in 1208 AD. From North Africa, stories about Goha spread into Malta (where he is known
as Jahan) and into Sicily (where he is called Giufa). From Sicily, the stories passed into the Italian mainland.
In southern Italy he is called Jofa, Jufa, Jugale, Jugane, and Giuvale. In northern Italy, he goes under the
name of Giucca
As the hero of the younger generations Goha practices a child's mischievous behavior, acting in ways
considered foolish by grown-ups, but which end up making perfect sense. So laugh as you read the irregular
wisdom in this trilogy of Goha, the universal figure who charmed and continues to charm generations across
the Arab world and the Middle East.
Mustapha Hussein is an icon of Egyptian popular art and a famous political cartoonist.
Format: 19 x 27 cm
3 slim volumes
Pages: 16
ISBN: 977-09-1100-3
ISBN: 977-09-1101-1
ISBN: 977-09-1102-x
Goha wal Hemar
"Goha and the Donkey"
Where Goha decides to buy
a donkey and is cheated by
robbers.
Goha wal Kadi
"Goha and the Judge"
Where Goha goes to the judge to
complain about the robbers... The
judges instead find him the perfect
candidate to be sent to the
tyrannical Sultan who invaded the
lands and is slaughtering its
scientists.
Goha wal Sultan
"Goha and the Sultan"
Where Goha, disguised
as the last scientist left in
the country, meets with
the fearsome Sultan
Timurlane.
17
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Hekayat Fizo "Fizo's Stories" Series
Written & Illustrated by: Walid Taher
Fizo is an adorable little 4 year old boy who lives in a happy family with his parents and his sister
Farida. The curious little Fizo always seems to have one problem or another: sometimes he’s so shy
to meet new friends, at other times he gets angry and annoyed for no reason at all. Chlidren just love
this best-selling series for Fizo is mischievous as well as delightful.
The cheerful and humorous illustrations bring a lot of fun to these extremely successful little books.
Walid Taher has earned many national and international awards for illustrating and writing children’s books.
He is also a well-known political cartoonist.
Age: 2+
Format: 15 x 15 cm
Pages: 16-26
The Series' Titles are:
Sharekat Fizo
"Fizo’s Company"
Fizo and his friends start
a new company...but
something is missing!
ISBN: 977-09-1223-9
Fizo Al Mohtaram
"Fizo Wants Respect!"
Fizo discovers what it
takes to be respected.
ISBN: 977-09-1224-7
Fizo kabl al Eid
"Fizo Before the Feast"
Fizo goes shopping and
faces a tough decision.. can
you help him?
ISBN: 977-09-1225-5
Nesf Fizo
"A Half-Fizo"
Where Fizo learns to finish
what he started!
ISBN: 977-09-0959-9
Fizo Fel-Doulab
"Fizo in the Cupboard!"
Where Fizo is shy.
ISBN: 977-09-0956-4
Fizo Ya`aref Ya`aref
"Fizo Knows .."
Where Fizo discovers that
he can’t know everything.
ISBN: 977-09-0957-2
Fizo Asbah Sa`eedan
"Fizo Becomes Happy"
Where Fizo is in a bad mood!
ISBN: 977-09-0957-2
18
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Al-Katkoot Laysa Kalban! "A Chick Isn't a Dog!"
By: Gar El-Naby El-Helw
Illustrated by: Helmy El-Touni
A picturesque book about a little boy who discovers the difference
between the behavior of both his mother’s chick and his own dog, how
the first turns from a cute little creature into a raging rooster, while the
latter becomes more loyal and gentle. A story about childhood, life,
and evolution.
Gar El-Nabi El-Helw is a novelist and a writer of children’s programs
for television. This is his fifth children’s book.
Age: 8+
Format: 28 x 20.5 cm
Pages: 40
ISBN: 977-09-0934-3
Oghneyat Ela Al-Ashya'a Al-Gamila "Songs to Beautiful Things"
By: Abdel-Wahhab El-Messiry
Illustrated by: Safaa Nabaa
On her birthday, Nur's father writes 16 short poems especially for her. The
loving father affectionately describes the simple pleasures of life which many
Egyptian parents experience and share with their children.
From childhood to adulthood to the inevitability of death, this collection of
poems tenderly outlines the typical events of a contemporary Egyptian's life,
spanning family gatherings, religious celebrations, folk festivals, rites of
passage and everyday events that are the actual essence of contemporary
life in Egypt.
Abdel-Wahhab El-Messiry is a prominent intellectual and cultural critic. He
is also a Professor of English & Comparative Literature. He has written several
books on literary analysis in the fields of poetry, theater, folklore, and short
stories.
His recent interest in writing children’s books has been an experimental and
intellectual endeavour in which he revisits some international children’s classics
from a new Arabio perspective.
Winner of the Best Author Prize in the Suzanne Mubarak competition for
children’s Literature (2002) and mentioned on the IBBY Honor List (2004).
Age: 8+
Format: 14 x 13.5 cm
Pages: 48
ISBN: 977-09-0744-7
Safaa Nabaa is a Syrian-Egyptian artist.
19
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Hekayat Hazal-Zaman "Tales of our Times" Series
By: Abdel-Wahhab El-Messiry
Illustrated by: Safaa Nabaa
Nur and her siblings are the main characters of this prize-winning children’s series. They are a book-loving
modern Egyptian family who love to hear, read and even create stories of their own.
Age: 3+
Format: 22.5 x 22.5 cm
The Series' Titles are:
Three Stories
and Three Endings
A Major Minor Battle
On a rainy day the children
are bored and have nothing
to do, so they decide to tell
stories. However, there is one
big problem: they cannot
agree who will tell his story
first.
Have you ever read a story with
no ending? Have you ever wished
for a never ending story that
would never end? Or have you
ever heard a story and wished it
would end sooner? Find out what
it can be like in each of these
three incredibly amusing stories.
ISBN: 977-09-0620-4
ISBN: 977-09-1099-6
Very Quick Stories
Nur and the Not-So
Sly Wolf
One day, the children insisted
that their father tell them a
bed-time story. Being very
tired he tries to refuse but
they would not take “no” for
an answer. However, the
clever man finds a solution,
a funny solution!
A modern day Egyptian version
of Little Red Riding Hood.
Best Author Prize from the
Suzane Mubarak Competition
for Children’s Literature
(1999).
ISBN: 977-09-0558-5
ISBN: 977-09-0677-8
What is the Ending?
A Very Very Fairy Tale!
As the children were assembled
around the radio, listening to a bedtime story, the power suddenly goes
out. Frustrated that they will not hear
the ending, they take matters into
their own creative hands.
In this story, there is an unpleasant
clash between the realities of
everyday life and the story-telling
dreamy mood of the children at
bed-time.
ISBN: 977-09-0663-8
The Disappearance of the
Puzzled Wolf
The not so sly wolf is now a very
puzzled wolf. he sits under a tree
trying to make sense of the past
adventure with Nur.
ISBN: 977-09-0645-X
ISBN: 977-09-0747-2
Cinderella and Zainab
Hanem Khatoon
The Weekly Trip to the
Unruly Island
A modern day Egyptian version
of the classic Cinderella, but who
is Zainab Hanem Khatoon? Will
the charming prince fall in love
with this Cinderella for the same
reasons for which he fell in love
with the original Cinderella?
A funny and fun story about the
appeal of chaos and disorder to
children!
ISBN: 977-09-0599-2
ISBN: 977-09-0580-1
20
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Sahby Al-Gadid "My New Friend"
Written & Illustrated by: Walid Taher
A little boy is fascinated with his newly discovered
friend : the moon. He must be a real cool friend for
he follows him wherever he goes. Even up in his
bedroom, the bright face of his new friend watches
over him through the window.
This little story beautifully illustrating a universal
childhood experience was mentioned on the IBBY
Honor List in 2004, and has already been translated
into French (Canada) and German.
Age: 3+
Format: 18 x 18 cm
Pages: 20
ISBN: 977-09-0730-8
Huff Bluff "Abra-Kadabra"
By: Amal Farah
Illustrated by: Safaa Nabaa
When the good witch decided to move to a new house, her friends warned her
about her neighbor, the bad witch who loves to pester others. But the good witch
didn’t worry much about the warning, and wisely said: “Forgiveness can make us
live together happily”.
“Huff Bluff” is a story not only about turning the other cheek, but about using your
head to turn evil into good.
The clever plot and simple text make this an easy - read book for 7-8 year olds
while the fabulous illustrations are fun for the younger child to enjoy while being
read to by an adult.
Age: 4+
Format: 21 x 17 cm
Pages: 16
ISBN: 977-09-0709-X
Amal Farah is a Prize-winning writer of children’s songs and books.
She has won the UNESCO Prize for Children’s and Young People’s Literature in the Service of
Tolerance 2003, Honorary Mention, for “Huff Bluff”.
Muthalath Wa Da'era "A Triangle and a Circle"
By: Amal Farah
Illustrated by: Helmi El-Touni
A book about the world of shapes, that goes just a bit beyond. By pointing
out that the circle can just be a circle, or a ball to play with; a triangle can
just be a triangle or a great pyramid, the author encourages imaginative
thinking about the possibilities within the child’s environment.
Age: 4+
Format: 15 x 15 cm
Pages: 24
ISBN: 977-09-0651-4
Ghazala Wa Sayyad "A Gazelle and a Hunter"
By: Amal Farah
Illustrated by: Helmi El-Touni
“This was not the first time for a human to tame an animal. But it was
indeed the first time for a small, helpless animal to tame a hunter.”
A poetic story about the paradoxical relationship between an innocent gazelle
and her baffled hunter. Helmi El-Touni was awarded the Suzanne Mubarak Prize
for Best Illustrator in 1998 for this book.
Age: 6+
Format: 18 x 18 cm
Pages: 24
ISBN: 977-09-0812-6
21
Dar el-Shorouk
Children’s Books
2 0 0 6
Contacts
For more information on Dar El Shorouk Arabic Children’s Books or Dar El-Shorouk’s
Sunflower Books, correspondence is welcome at the following contacts:
International Rights
Amira Aboulmagd
Publisher
Children’s Books
8 Sebaweh el Masry St.,
Cairo, Egypt.
Tel.: (+202) 4023399 Fax : (+202) 4037567
[email protected]
22