Overview

“Come with the pilgrims as they set out on a journey, a journey of patience to the city of Mecca.” We are led on the journey of a lifetime to the city of Mecca – the pilgrimage known to Muslims as the Hajj. The pilgrims walk with heads bare and feet in sandals; they call to Allah; they kiss or point to the Black Stone, as the Prophet did. Arriving at Mecca, they surge round the Ka’aba, shave their heads and travel to Mount Arafat. Finally, though their bodies are tired and aching, their spirits are uplifted, knowing that with thousands of others they have performed the sacred pilgrimage. This is a window on to a sacred journey for Muslims the world over – beautifully described and illustrated for younger children.

Reviews:

“An excellent way to encourage young children to understand the importance of going to Mecca, and to gain an insight into another faith.” – Parents in Touch

“A great introduction to the meaning and reality of the Hajj to Muslims. Non-Muslim children and adults alike will learn a great deal from it, and Muslim readers of any age will rejoice in seeing such a crucial element of their faith portrayed so beautifully and respectfully.”  – Paper Tigers

“A beautiful book.” – School Librarian

“Engaging and vibrant artwork.. This book would be suitable to support the teaching and learning of pupils enquiring in to the Hajj.” – Religious Education Primary News

“The stunningly illustrated book conveys clearly the rites involved in making Hajj. This is a 10/10 read.” – Nayu’s Reading Corner

“Lyrical, poetic text and bold mixed-media illustrations combine to capture the ethos and excitement of this important religious practice and how its rituals are related to the stories of the Prophet Ibrahim and his family.” – Booktrust

Paperback: 32 pages

ISBN: 9781847804907

Dimensions: 21.6 x 0.6 x 26.7 cm

Written by: Na’ima B. Robert

Illustrated by: Valentina Cavallini

About the Author: Na’ima B. Robert is descended from Scottish Highlanders on her father’s side and the Zulu people on her mother’s side. She was born in Leeds, grew up in Zimbabwe and went to university in London. At high school, her loves included performing arts, public speaking and writing stories that shocked her teachers! She has written several multicultural books for children and is the author of ‘From Somalia, with love’, a novel for young adults. ‘Boy vs Girl’ is her second books for teens. She divides her time between London and Cairo and dreams of living on a farm with her own horses. Until then, she is happy to be a mum to her four children and keep reading and writing books that take her to a different world each time.

About the Illustrator: Valentina Cavallini was born and brought up in Milan, Italy. She studied Illustration at Chelsea School of Art and Design and the University of the West of England, Bristol, where she now lives. She works in watercolour, combining hand-painted paper with found materials to create textured images. In 2007 her illustrations were chosen for the Bologna Book Fair Illustrators’ Exhibition and toured Japan and Korea. Going to Mecca is Valentina’s first published picture book.