Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
English Language Children's Books related to Modern Egypt
Available worldwide from Amazon.com
Day of Ahmed's Secret (Paperback)
Florence Parry Heide & Judith Heide Gillilan
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
ISBN: 0-590-45029-8
From Publishers Weekly
In this admirable introduction to life in an alien culture,
readers are whisked to the busy streets of Cairo--where
young Ahmed is making his daily rounds on a donkey cart,
delivering large canisters of butane gas. The city is
presented through his eyes, and text and illustration work
together in harmony to produce a sense of place so vivid
that readers can almost hear the cry of vendors in the
crowded marketplace and feel the heat rising from the streets. On this particular day, Ahmed
carries a secret with him (he has learned to write his name in Arabic), one children will enjoy
trying to guess. The authors have produced fluid prose, and Lewin's sensitive, luminous
watercolors hint at the mystery and timelessness of this exotic city. Ages 6-9.
Free as the Desert Wind
by Elsa Marston
Illustrated by Abdel Aziz El Guindi
ISBN 977-5325-66-8
Hoope Books
Also available at bookstores in Cairo
Omar's father leads the camel drive from Sudan to Egypt twice a
year. It is young Omar's dream to go with his father on the long,
hard journey, and he begs to be taken along as a herder. But when
Omar makes friends with one of the young camels during the
drive, he forgets the promise he has made to his father. Ages 8+
Mahdi: A Child of Egypt (Children of the World)
by Mango Editions
ISBN 1410302881
Blackbirch
From Goodreads.com
A window into one of the largest populations in the Arab world, Madhi's life
at home with his parents, at school and at play, reveals Egyptians customs. Located in northern
Africa and bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt has a rapidly growing population that is
predominately Muslim. Ages 4 – 8.
Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
Teens in Egypt (Global Connections)
by Barbara A. Somervill
ISBN 0756532949
Compass Point Books
From Amazon.com
Thoughts of Egypt often conjure up images of pyramids, sphinxes, and
the Nile. However, many of todays Egyptian teens live in a world filled
with high-rise malls, cell phones, and trans-techno music. Modern
conveniences have even changed the lives of the Bedouins, desert
nomads, who have traded in their camels for pick-up trucks. Teens in
Egypt is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the
challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world. Ages 912
An ABC Escapade through Egypt
by Bernadette Simpson
ISBN 9771209396
Bernadette Simpson
Also available from bookstores in Cairo and here
An ABC book for all ages! Discover some of the many
wonders of Egypt on this alphabetical escapade - foodslike
mangoes and konafa, animals such as foxes and jerboas, and
places like the Red Sea and Zamalek. At each letter of the
alphabet, stop to explore fun alliterative phrases, colorful photographs, and interesting facts. Read
through the letters in order, or flip through the pages until one catches your eye. You may choose
to read only the phrases at the top of each page or find out more by reading the detailed
paragraphs. You are the captain of this journey so how you travel is up to you! Ages 8 +
National Geographic Countries of the World: Egypt
by Selina Wood
ISBN: 1426305729
National Geographic Children's Books
From Amazon.com
Egypt is an important political and cultural center for the entire
Arab world. A key player in Middle Eastern politics, Egypt is often in
the news. Features of the series include: main chapters that focus
on geography, people and culture, history, government and
economy, and nature; 'At a Glance' double spreads to present a
maximum amount of information in a minimal amount of space,
utilizing charts, tables, time lines, and other highly visual elements; and, full-page maps that
highlight physical features, vegetation and ecosystems, history, population, and political
organization. As a bonus, every photograph within each chapter is tied to a location on the main
map for that chapter. The work features smaller maps that zoom in on special topics, such as
Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
migration, rainfall, changing borders, resources, industry, and other important themes. It includes
special feature sidebars that introduce intriguing people, places, and events, and a glossary to aid
in comprehension of unfamiliar terms. It presents an extensive bibliography that lists books,
National Geographic articles, and Web sites. Ages 9-12
Egypt ABCs: A book about the people and places of Egypt
by Sarah Heiman
Illustrated by Todd Ouren
ISBN 1404800190
Picture Window Books
From Amazon.com
An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals,
plants, history, and culture of Egypt. Ages 4-8
Foods of Egypt (Taste of Culture)
by Barbara Sheen
ISBN 0737748435
Kid Haven Press
From the Publisher:
A delectable blend of geography, history, health, daily life,
celebrations and customs, A Taste of Culture offers a rich array of
culinary and cultural elements. Specifically prepared for upperelementary and lower-middle school students, each volume in this
series introduces a country and its culture by way
of its foods, cooking traditions, eating habits and food sources.
Hosni Mubarak (Modern World Leaders)
by Susan Muaddi Darraj
ISBN 0791092801
Chelsea House Publications
From Goodreads.com
Most of the world mourned the death of Egyptian president Anwar
Sadat, who was assassinated in 1981. However, in Egypt, where Sadat
had been deeply unpopular, people held a skeptical view of his vice
president and successor, Hosni Mubarak. When he assumed the office,
President Mubarak already faced opposition from many sectors of the
Egyptian population. And through the rise of Islamic fundamentalism
and the two recent Persian Gulf wars, Mubarak's presidency has
endured many challenges and obstacles. But he has also managed to
usher Egypt through a difficult era with relative stability - though not without criticism. In this
definitive new biography from the "Modern World Leaders" series, students will expand their
Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
knowledge of contemporary Middle Eastern politics by learning about Hosni Mubarak, tracing his
rise from a humble background to a bright career in the military to the top of the Egyptian
government. Young Adult
Available at bookstores in Cairo
Goodnight my Cairo
Mandy Fessenden Brauer
Illustrated by Helmi El Touni
ISBN: 977-09-1300-6
Sunflower Books
Excerpt from Dar el Shorouk Catalog
A little boy is getting ready to sleep, and before he goes to bed he bids goodnight to all that he
loves about Cairo in a tender heartfelt poem
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.
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.
ARUBA Stories
The characters in these stories are based on the “Aruba” dolls designed by the Egyptian artist
Badr Hamada.
by Eileen Lucas
Illustrated by Yasser Gaessa
Available at bookstores in Cairo
Some titles available on Amazon.com
From Sunflower Books/Dar el-Shorouk:
Belia's Find
ISBN 977-02-1075-9
Abdu's Magic Light
ISBN 977-02-1076-7
The Cart
ISBN 977-02-1074-0
Broken Biscuits
ISBN 977-02-1073-2
Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
First published by Hoopoe Books:
The New Baby
ISBN 977-5325-46-3
Belia's Ball
ISBN 977-5325-43-9
Abdu the Fisherman
ISBN 977-5325-45-5
Tofaha's Basket
ISBN 977-5325-44-7
Children's Fables and Folktales related to Egypt
Available worldwide from Amazon.com
The Well of Truth: A folktale from Egypt
(Story Cover – A World of Stories)
retold by Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss
Illustrated by Tom Wrenn
ISBN 0874838800
August House
From Goodreads.com
When Goat, Rooster, and Donkey decide to try their hand at
farming, all goes well until Donkey's appetite gets the best of him.
In this tale from Egypt, Donkey learns the price of being greedy
and discovers that the truth will always come out, even if it comes
from the bottom of a well. Ages 4-8
Folktales of Egypt
by Hassan M. El-Shamy
ISBN 0226206254
University Of Chicago Press
From Amazon.com
In this book Hasan M. El-Shamy has gathered the first authentic new
collection of modern Egyptian folk narratives to appear in nearly a
century. El-Shamy's English translations of these orally presented stories
not only preserve their spirit, but give Middle Eastern lore the scholarly attention it has long deserved.
Ages 4-8
Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
Folktales of Egypt (Tales from Egypt and the Arab World Series)
by Denys Johnson-Davies (see below for more titles by this author)
Illustrated by Tarek Mossad
ISBN 9775325145
Amideast
Also available from bookstores in Cairo
From Amazon.com
Egyptian folklore is a rich treasure of imagination and wisdom. The seven
stories in this book have been adapted from tales that are told by word of mouth in various parts
of Egypt. The longest is a fantastic tale about how the famous Clever Hassan triumphs over evil
and wins the beautiful girl he loves. Another tale tells of a simple peasant whose bad luck turns
into riches beyond his dreams. Then there is the story of the poor peasant who falls in love with a
beautiful princess and is helped by a wooden gazelle. You can also read how a clever judge tricks
two thieves. The atmosphere of these tales is as colorful and exciting as the world of the Arabian
Nights. Ages 9-12
Goha (Tales from Egypt and the Arab World Series)
by Denys Johnson-Davies (see below for more titles by this author)
Illustrated by Nessim Girgis
ISBN 9775325137
Amideast
Also available from bookstores in Cairo
From Amazon.com
Dating from the eighth century, Goha and the tales about him are among
the most cherished elements of Arab storytelling tradition. Colorful,
cartoon-like illustrations emphasize the duality of Goha's personality: he is
a fool, but one with a unique form of wisdom. Known and loved
throughout the region, Goha and the tales about him are an integral part of Middle Eastern
culture. Ages 9-12
Goha the Wise Fool
by Denys Johnson-Davies (see below for more titles by this author)
Illustrated by Hag Hamdy and Hany
ISBN 0399242228
Philomel
From Goodreads.com
A collection of fourteen tales about the folk hero Nasreddin Hoca, also
known as Goha, a man with a reputation for being able to answer difficult
questions in a clever way.
Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
Available at bookstores in Cairo
“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 anew and balanced insight into a world that has been often neglected or
misunderstood.”
The Camel that had No Hump
by Mandy Fessenden Brauer
Illustrated by Helmi El Touni
ISBN 977-09-1289-1
Sunflower Books/Dar el Shorouk
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 happen in this gentle story that
lead to a happy ending and help children expand their perceptions of the differently abled among
all of us.
Sebek, the Lonely Crocodile
by Mandy Fessenden Brauer
Illustrated by Yasser Gaessa
ISBN 977-09-0971-8
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.
Ten Tales of Goha
Retold by Denys Johnson-Davies
Illustrated by Hany Saleh
ISBN 977-6218-87-3
Sunflower Books
For centuries, the popular figure of Goha, the wise fool, has survived in the
fables and imaginations of the Arab world and beyond. This simple yet
unusual man is said to be a fool, but he is clever and cunning and usually outwits every one he
encounters in an intelligent and funny way.
Compiled by author Bernadette Simpson, Last updated October 2010
“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.” from Sunflower Books Catalog
Other titles by Denys Johnson-Davies,
published by Sunflower Books:
The Alleyways of Cairo
Amr of Egypt
Tales from the Arabian Nights
The Two Abdullahs
Zaynab the Beautiful
The Companions of the Prophet Muhammad