This is a wonderfully written and illustrated story of two young girls who don't have a common language to express themselves but don't let that stand in the way of their friendship. They each learn words of all shapes and sizes in each others' languages (Arabic and English). The book is illustrated bilingually with both English and Arabic letters for the things the girls see and experience.
I liked that the author actually writes about some of the differences in the sounds in each of the languages and how the girls find it funny and challenging when their tongues get into tangles trying to roll their 'r's and, and how Saida's 'e's sound like 'i's sometimes.
This is a beautiful book about breaking down barriers and celebrating cultural differences. The ethereal art incorporates lettering in both English and Arabic in context to illustrate how learning another language encompasses more than just learning a glossary.
I really enjoyed this book. It would make a superlative selection for classroom or library, as well as a beautiful gift for a young person.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
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