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Egyptian Lullaby

by Zeena Pliska, Hatem Aly

Subject
People & Places - Africa
Age
3-5 years
Format
Hardcover
Pages
40
Publisher
Roaring Brook Press
Size
27.2 cm × 25.1 cm
ISBN
9781250222497

A rich, beautifully layered ode to the great city of Cairo, Egypt, its people, and culture.

Every night, my Ametti Fatma sings the sounds of Egypt to me as I fall asleep.

This is the Nile,
that flows through the city.
Swish, swoosh, swish.
This is the boat,
that glides on the Nile,
that flows through the city.
Swish, swoosh, swish.

Each night, a young girl's Auntie Fatma puts her to bed, singing a lullaby filled with rich imagery of her home in Egypt. As Auntie Fatma sings, we are given a glimpse of modern Cairo, from boats making their way down the Nile to gentle calls to prayer from the mosques to young children joyfully playing soccer in the streets.

Join Zeena Pliska and Hatem Aly on a vibrant journey to Cairo in this gorgeous, layered song.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

A Children’s Africana Book Award Best Picture Book of the Year
"A sweet peek into Egyptian family culture that is relatable to all."
School Library Journal
"A lovely ode to geographic, cultural, and familial ties."
Kirkus Reviews
"Resonant and stylistically unique."
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Layered [and] lively."
Publishers Weekly
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.