Egyptian Lullaby - by Zeena M Pliska (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

A Children's Africana Book Award Best Picture Book of the Year

"A sweet peek into Egyptian family culture that is relatable to all." - School Library Journal

"A lovely ode to geographic, cultural, and familial ties." - Kirkus Reviews

"Resonant and stylistically unique." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Layered [and] lively." - Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Zeena Pliska is an author, educator, and blogger who has spent much time in Cairo, Egypt seeing family and exploring the ancient city. She lives in California.

Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born artist whose work has been featured on television and in multiple publications. He is the illustrator of The Proudest Blue, In My Mosque, and the Yasmin series. He lives with his wife and son in New Brunswick, Canada.