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Description
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.
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.
Product Details
| Publisher | Crocodile Books |
| Publish Date | November 26, 2024 |
| Pages | 48 |
| Language | English |
| Type |  Hardback |
| EAN/UPC | 9781623716608 |
| Dimensions | 215.9 X 279.4 X 15.2 mm | 521.6 g |
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.
Reviews
“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.”
“A beautiful and long-awaited tribute to The Lady, the Arab world's most famous musical icon.”
“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.”
“A beautiful and long-awaited tribute to The Lady, the Arab world's most famous musical icon.”
“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.”
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