Living in the 21st century, the internet has provided people with countless sources of entertainment at their fingertips. Every day, the world moves at a faster pace and a new technological advance is introduced. Consumed by all this, we forgot to remind ourselves and our children to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the small things. Egyptian author and illustrator Danny Arafa’s new book, Takhayal Takhayal, is the antidote to this screen fatigue.
Aim Behind the Book
It is fully in Arabic and designed to be enjoyed by all ages from toddlers who marvel at the pictures to parents rediscovering the joy of playful storytelling. Say goodbye to Egypt’s manicured compounds and let us go on a journey to rediscover the real Egypt. The book is a reminder that every street corner and local character holds a story but only for those who dare to let their imagination run wild.
“When I was a kid, every shuttered window or hole in the wall was an invitation for imagination,” says Arafa. “Imagination made my world bigger and richer as a child, and that imagination turned into curiosity as I grew older. That’s what I hope Takhayal Takhayal brings to others. Especially kids growing up in Egypt today.”
Synopsis
Published by Asfoura Books, the book’s rich illustrations transport children to a version of Cairo they have never seen before. Meet whimsical creatures such us a strange green creature that munches on the fakahani’s fruits in a vegetable souk, a baker who puffs up baladi bread like balloons and a multicolored lion hiding in a dark alley. It is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and dream wilder.
Other Works
If you are looking for Arabic stories that your child will not want to put down, then look no further. Danny Arafa has written Pack Pals, The Insect Party, and The Dace That Flew to Space to provide children with the perfect mix of having fun and learning a lesson. Besides books, he also produces a podcast for kids قصص لأطفال النهارده.