Umm Kulthum - by Rhonda Roumani (Hardcover)

About the Book

Umm Kulthum was an Arab icon, whose powerful voice defined an entire region for more than five decades. The famous Soprano Maria Callas praised her voice as 'incomparable.' Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Bono are said to be among her many fans. The daughter of a poor Egyptian village sheikh, Umm Kulthum rose to fame at a time when young girls didn't go to school and when 'respectable' girls did not perform on stages. But Umm Kulthum was no ordinary girl. As a little girl, she convinced her parents to send her to school so that she could learn to read and recite the Qur'an. When her father discovered her powerful voice, he dressed her as a boy and toured the Egyptian countryside, performing at religious ceremonies to make extra money for the family. When she could no longer hide the fact that she was a girl, Umm Kulthum shed her costume and became known throughout the Nile Delta as the little girl with the powerful voice. As she grew older, Umm Kulthum knew her future awaited her in Cairo. But her father still worried about her reputation. City theaters were definitely no place for a sheikh's daughter. Stubborn and persistent, Umm Kulthum convinced her father to move Cairo. But life in the big city wasn't easy. The city elite mocked the village girl and her religious folk songs. Umm Kulthum, nonetheless, persisted and worked harder than she had ever worked before. With help from famous singers, she learned to control her powerful voice and taught herself how to play musical instruments. The most important poets and musicians in Egypt and the Arab world wrote lyrics and composed music for her. Soon, record companies competed for her contracts. She held sold-out concerts that ran late into the night, and she sang songs that often lasted more than an hour. Umm Kulthum was more than a singer. She helped reclaim the story and voice of an entire region. People took pride in her perfect pronunciation of the Arabic language, which they attributed to her knowledge of the Qur'an. More than a century after her birth, Umm Kulthum's music can still be heard in taxis, cafes, and homes from Rabat to Baghdad and Damascus to Sana'a, giving her the nicknames The Lady (Al- Sit), Egypt's Fourth Pyramid (Al Haram al-Rabe'), the Mother of the Arabs (Umm al-Arab)-and, unequivocally, The Star of the East (Kawkab al Sharq). With stunning illustrations by renowned Egyptian artist Ahmed Abdelmohsen, Umm Kulthum is brought to life with each spread that sings in honor of the voice of this unforgettable icon"--

Book Synopsis

A picture book about the life and career of an unforgettable Arab icon, Umm Kulthum, the most powerful voice in the Arab world.

Umm Kulthum was an iconic Arab singer whose powerful voice captivated the region for over five decades. Admired by the likes of Maria Callas, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Bono, she became a symbol of cultural pride.

Born to a poor village sheikh in Egypt, she defied the social norms of her time, convincing her parents to send her to school to learn to read and recite the Qur'an. Disguised as a boy, she toured the countryside with her father, singing at religious events until her voice could no longer be hidden, earning her early fame.

Determined to succeed, Umm Kulthum moved to Cairo, where she overcame initial ridicule to become a celebrated artist. She collaborated with Egypt's top poets and musicians, mastering her craft and mesmerizing audiences with her long, soulful performances. Her perfect pronunciation and deep connection to the Arabic language endeared her to millions, earning her titles like "The Lady," "Egypt's Fourth Pyramid," 'The Mother of Arabs", and "The Star of the East."

This trailblazing story is told for children for the first time by award-winning author, Rhonda Roumani in collaboration with Egyptian illustrator Ahmed Abdelmohsen.

Review Quotes

"A well-crafted biography of a lesser-known singer who deserves many more tributes ... In spite of sexism, the singer also known as "Egypt's Fourth Pyramid" built a storied career with her voice and integrity. In full-bleed, double-page illustrated spreads, bright lights and dark shadows present realistic scenes with abstract whimsy ... The narrative's thoughtful context provides down-to-earth perspectives of Arabs' joys and struggles against colonial rule ... A primer on Arabic instruments, a note about the author's own connection to the singer, and a bibliography offer excellent jumping-off points for interested readers."--Kirkus Reviews

"A beautiful and long-awaited tribute to The Lady, the Arab world's most famous musical icon."--Hatem Aly

"A soaring tribute to an extraordinary Arab woman and musical legend. Umm Kulthum exemplifies the power of a voice fueled by unwavering principles and faith, and her moving story will inspire a new generation."--Hena Khan

About the Author

Rhonda Roumani is a Syrian American journalist who has covered the Arab world and Muslim issues for more than two decades. She is the author of the Middle Grade novel Tagging Freedom (Union Square) and the picture book Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So (Holiday House). She lives in New Haven, CT with her family.

Ahmed Abdelmohsen is a freelance illustrator, graphic designer, comic artist, caricaturist, and typographer based in Cairo, Egypt.