Arabic Folktales for Children

Arabic Folktales for Children: Timeless Stories to Share in English and Arabic Retold by Hadil Ghoneim. Illustrated by Ayah Khamis. (Tuttle Publishing, 2025) Journey across the Arabic-speaking world through a collection of timeless folktales rich in humor, wisdom, friendship, and gentle life lessons. Drawing from both oral and written storytelling traditions, Ghoneim retells eight beloved tales that introduce readers to memorable characters, enduring values, and the cultural heritage of diverse Arab communities. Presented in parallel English and Arabic text, the collection creates opportunities for language learning, cross-cultural exploration, and shared family reading experiences. 

Ghoneim’s engaging retellings preserve the warmth and charm of traditional storytelling while making the tales accessible to contemporary young readers. Khamis’s expressive illustrations, vibrant color palettes, and carefully rendered cultural details bring each story to life, immersing readers in the landscapes, architecture, and imaginative worlds of the tales. 

Together, the stories and artwork create an inviting anthology that celebrates the power of folklore to connect generations, preserve cultural traditions, and foster understanding across languages and communities. Enhanced by bilingual text and accompanying audio resources, the collection encourages readers to appreciate the enduring role of storytelling as a bridge between cultures, histories, and shared human experiences.