Zahra Marwan – illustratör

In this moving picture book, inspired by the author’s experience as a Syrian refugee, a child's profound love for his family's apple tree gives him courage when he must flee his homeland.When a young boy asks his parents why he doesn’t have a brother or sister, his mother replies that on the day he was born, they planted an apple tree in their front yard. “The apple tree is your sister,” she says. At night, the boy wraps a blanket around his sister's trunk and during the day he shares all of his secrets with her. One day, they see helicopters in the sky and his parents tell him they must flee. But how can he leave his sister behind? Instead he digs her up and carries her away from their homeland. When they arrive to a new place, the air is colder and the ground is hard. Home feels so far away. But as his sister grows taller and her branches blossom, the boy realizes that he will always be connected to his homeland, even as he begins to embrace his new one.This moving and hopeful refugee story is written by Syrian activist Jamal Saeed and co-written by acclaimed poet Jordan Scott. Illustrated by award-winning artist Zahra Marwan, who drew inspiration from her own immigration from Kuwait, this gorgeous book reminds readers that nothing is left behind forever.

A vibrant first book of Ramadan and cosy gift for Eid, full of empathy, family traditions and the joy that grows from sharing. Includes instructions to make your own moongazing binoculars!Ramadan is a time to grow wings of kindness. Little by little. Day by day.Haniya is learning all about reflection, sharing and giving during Ramadan. Whether at home while her family is fasting, or at nursery with her friends, there are little moments throughout the day when Haniya can show kindness to everyone. But how else can she celebrate her family's faith?Then, one day at the mosque as her family prays, Nanu shows Haniya a picture in the Qu'ran. It's a beautiful garden, wild with plants and trees, and full of animals sharing the natural world together. It gives her an idea! In a quiet corner of her own garden at home, she begins planting, watering, nurturing … waiting. As the phases of the moon change above her, Haniya's garden blossoms and blooms in time for an exciting celebration: a special Eid picnic with friends and family.- A happy, family-centred story for children aged 3+- An accessible, authentic and inclusive introduction to Ramadan, Eid and Islamic rituals for every home, school, nursery and library.- Gentle learning about the phases of the moon, gardening, religious festivals and Islamic community celebrations.- Warm and bright illustrations bring to life a cosy home, intricately detailed mosque, atmospheric moonlit scenes, and a garden filled with birds and woodland animals.- Great for sharing with friends and family!