A young Egyptian girl eagerly embarks on a special errand while shopping with her grandfather.
It’s Friday, the day when Somaya and Giddo take their weekly trip to the market. With a secret tucked safely in her pocket, Somaya is in a hurry to visit the tentmakers, but Giddo insists on checking in on his friends—first the calligrapher, whose son recently moved far away, then the jeweler, who invites them to enjoy some mint tea. When they finally arrive in an alley lined with colorful fabrics, Somaya seizes her chance while Giddo, a tentmaker himself, admires an intricate panel. “Show me again how to tie this last knot?” Somaya asks an apprentice, revealing her own appliqué panel. Her task complete, they stroll back home, where Somaya’s parents surprise Giddo with a birthday party and Somaya at last gives him her lovingly hand-sewn gift. “Now I’m a tentmaker, just like you!” Constantine and Latham weave a tale that teaches the values of compassion and the importance of slowing down to enjoy the simple pleasures, while simultaneously offering an exploration of the ancient Egyptian arts of calligraphy, abalone inlay, and tentmaking. A special highlight is the theme of language as a cultural touchstone, where even a greeting like “Good morning with roses and jasmine” is a small act of kindness and care. Hosam’s bold and colorful illustrations capture the hustle and bustle of Old Cairo market’s narrow, winding streets.
A joyous celebration of Egyptian art and culture and special family bonds. (glossary, more about ancient Egyptian arts) (Picture book. 4-8)
Booklist
Every Friday, Somaya visits the market with Giddo (her grandfather), but today is a special day.
With a secret tucked in her pocket, she insists on stopping by the tentmakers—but Giddo keeps
taking detours along the way. First, they visit Hajj Mohammed’s ink shop, where Somaya
practices her calligraphy. Next, they stop for tea with Ostaz Gergis and Mariam, who run an
abalone jewelry shop. As they wander, Somaya and Giddo take in the beauty of Cairo’s streets,
richly illustrated with elements of Egyptian life and tradition. When they finally reach the
tentmakers, an apprentice helps Somaya finish her stitching, which is revealed at home to be a
birthday gift for Giddo. Each two-page spread is densely detailed in a playfully illustrated style,
featuring Egyptian foods, Arabic storefront signs, music, and more. The back matter includes a
glossary of Arabic words and explanations of calligraphy, abalone inlay, and tentmaking in
Egyptian culture. Tender and gentle, this story, rooted in family and culture, is sure to remind
readers of the importance of slowing down and savoring life.
