April is National Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, voices, and contributions of Arab Americans in the United States. While Arab American communities have long been a vital part of the American story, it wasn’t until 2021 that April was formally recognized at the national level, thanks to decades of advocacy and community organizing.

To mark this important month, we are excited to share a curated booklist that uplifts Arab and Arab American stories through themes of family, tradition, identity, and home. Many of the books include Arabic words and phrases, offering children a joyful, accessible entry point to the culture while connecting with meaningful stories. 

For families and educators, these stories can serve different but equally important roles:

• If a book is a mirror, reflecting a child’s own identity or culture, use it to affirm their experiences. Ask children how the story connects to their own life, and invite them to share their traditions, languages, and memories. 
• If a book is a window, showing a culture or experience different from their own, use it to spark curiosity and foster understanding. Encourage questions, explore new vocabulary, and highlight the universal feelings—love, belonging, courage—that connect us all.

Whether you’re reading together at home or in the classroom, we hope these stories spark meaningful conversations, nurture pride in Arab identity, and deepen appreciation for the vibrant Arab and Arab American community.

Our World: Egypt

Written by Aya Khalil
Illustrated by Magda Azab

Spend a day exploring Egypt with a young girl and her parents! From colorful boats on the water, to the rhythm of tablas and the smell of warm pita bread, there’s so much to see, hear, and taste. Featuring Arabic words with phonetic pronunciations and simple definitions, this board book is a fun and accessible way to celebrate a culture they already know and love, or to introduce little ones to the Arabic language and Egyptian culture!

Age level: 0 – 4 years

Talking Tip: As you share this book with your child, point to the pictures and name what you see, like the colorful boats, the shapes in the city, and the different fruit stands. Try saying the Arabic words out loud together.

Egyptian Lullaby

Written by Zeena M. Pliska
Illustrated by Hatem Aly

A young girl’s Auntie Fatma has come all the way from Egypt, bringing with her the sights, sounds, and flavors of Cairo. Each night, she sings the girl to sleep with a gentle lullaby filled with the “sounds of Egypt.” With rhythmic language, onomatopoeia, and colorful illustrations, Egyptian Lullaby is a joyful story that invites us to reflect on the sounds that make a place feel like home. Includes a glossary and cultural notes from the author and illustrator.

Age level: 3 – 6 years

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about the sounds that make a place feel like home.

Ask:

• What sounds do we hear at home?
• What about outside, in our neighborhood?

You might name things like birds chirping, cars driving by, music playing, or people talking. Take turns making some of those sounds together.

Sundays Are for Feasts

Written by Leila Boukarim
Illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa

Every summer, Yasmine visits her family in Lebanon, where Sundays are all about big family lunches. This time, she’s been tasked with making the hummus, but she’s never made it before and feels nervous. By remembering how her Baba prepares it at home, Yasmine discovers the joy of cooking, sharing, and connecting with family. This book also includes a glossary of Arabic terms and a recipe for hummus.

Age level: 3 – 6 years

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about special meals your family enjoys for holidays, weekends, or any day!

Ask:

• What foods do we love to eat together?
• Who do you like to cook or eat with?
• Is there a dish you’d like us to make together?

Share some of your own favorite dishes or memories from when you were little. These conversations help children feel connected to family, culture, and tradition. For an extra treat, try making Yasmine’s hummus using the recipe in the book!

Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So

Written by Rhonda Roumani and Nadia Roumani
Illustrated by Olivia Aserr

Ranya is trying to understand what her mom really means when she answers questions with “Insha’Allah” (“God willing”). Does it mean yes, no, or maybe? Through funny and relatable moments, the book explores everyday family conversations about promises, patience, and hope. This story helps children talk about waiting patiently and keeping hopeful, even when they don’t get the answers they expect right away.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: After sharing Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So, ask your child:

• What does Ranya’s mom mean when she says ‘Insha’Allah’?
• Have you ever had to wait for something you wanted? How did waiting make you feel?
• Does our family use special words or phrases when we’re hoping or waiting for something?

Arab Arab All Year Long

Written by Cathy Camper
Illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi

This story is a joyful celebration of Arab culture throughout the year! From drumming and cooking to henna and comic cons, children take part in old and new traditions with friends and family. Bright illustrations and rich details bring each month to life, with a glossary and notes to help readers learn more.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: After sharing Arab Arab All Year Long, talk with your child about the similarities and differences they notice.  Ask questions like: 

• What is something the children in the story do that we also do with our family?
• What is something they do that is new or different from what we do?

Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love

Written by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love tells the story of a Palestinian family in exile and a suitcase filled with photographs and memories. As a child looks through old photo albums, they reflect on eleven Arabic expressions for love, each capturing a different kind of connection—from deep friendship, to romantic love, to the deep  longing for home. Each Arabic word is presented in script, along with its phonetic pronunciation.

Age level: 4 – 8 years

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about the different kinds of love we feel, like the love we have for family, friends, pets, and more. Ask:

• Who do you love?
• How do you feel when someone shows you love?
• What are some ways you can show love? For example, you may show love with hugs, kind words, or helping out. 

Feeling artsy?  Create a “Love Heart” together. Inside the heart, help your child draw or name the people, pets, or things they love. Around the heart, add drawings or words that show how they express their love.

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine

Written by Hannah Moushabeck
Illustrated by Reem Madooh

Three young girls gather each night to hear their father’s memories of growing up in the Old City of Jerusalem. Through his stories, they imagine the sights, sounds, and flavors of Palestine. This beautiful book is a celebration of storytelling, family, culture, and the power of remembering where we come from.

Age level: 4 – 8 years

Talking Tip: Oral storytelling helps build strong listening, language, and memory skills. It also strengthens a child’s sense of self, family, and culture.

Share stories about when you were little with your child. Talk about what you liked to eat, the games you would play, and describe your neighborhood. Encourage your child to share their own memories and experiences, like a fun trip, a birthday, or losing a tooth. Then, help them turn those moments into their own stories. Together, have them draw their memory on paper and talk about what they’ve chosen to illustrate.

Halal Hot Dogs

Written by Susannah Aziz
Illustrated by Parwinder Singh

Every Friday after Jummah prayer, Musa’s family celebrates with a special treat—and each week a different family member gets to choose! When it’s finally Musa’s turn, he picks his favorite: halal hot dogs with Salam sauce. Getting them, however, takes longer than he thought. As Musa makes his way through the city, he sees friends, neighbors, and even his principal. The food vendors he passes by offer dishes from around the world, highlighting the rich diversity of Musa’s community.

Age level: 4 – 8 years

Talking Tip: After reading Halal Hot Dogs, ask your child:

• Who do we see in our neighborhood?
• What do you like about where we live?
• Have we seen places with food from different countries?

These questions help children notice and appreciate the people and places in their own community.

BONUS: Download our drawing activity – available in English and Spanish!