My Heart Says Shukran
By Edward Shammas, Mayssa Kennouche (Illustrator)
''My Heart Says Shukran'' is a warm, bilingual (English-Arabic) picture book that helps little ones appreciate the simple joys in their lives.The story follows Kareem, an 8-year-old Arab boy with vitiligo, and his sassy cat, Kiwi. Kareem embraces his uniqueness, his skin is just one part of who he is. With a grateful heart, he notices the love and everyday happiness around him.The book features sweet rhymes and key Arabic words in English transliteration. Its bright, quirky scenes introduce children to family, nature, food, and meaningful daily moments. My Heart Says Shukran inspires kids to live joyfully and see the beauty in every day.
قلبي يقول شكرًا هو كتاب مصوّر دافئ ثنائي اللغة (العربية–الإنجليزية)، يوجّه الأطفال لاكتشاف جمال الأشياء الصغيرة والفرح الكامن في تفاصيل حياتهم اليومية. تأخذنا القصة في رحلة مع كريم، طفل عربي في الثامنة من عمره يعاني من البهاق، برفقة قطه الظريف والمشاكس «كيوي». يتصالح كريم مع تفرّده ويحتضن اختلافه، فمظهره ليس سوى جزء بسيط مما يجعله هو نفسه. بقلب ممتلئ بالامتنان، يتعلّم أن يرى الحب والسعادة في اللحظات البسيطة من حوله. يتميّز الكتاب بإيقاع شعري لطيف، ويضم كلمات عربية مختارة مكتوبة بالأحرف الإنجليزية، إلى جانب رسوم ملوّنة مرحة تعرّف الأطفال على العائلة والطبيعة والطعام واللحظات اليومية ذات المعنى. قلبي يقول شكرًا كتاب يُلهم الأطفال أن يعيشوا بفرح، وأن يقدّروا الجمال الكامن في كل يوم.
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Salam! I’m Kareem, and I’m 8 years old. I love playing basketball, making art, and going on adventures with my cat, Kiwi. I have vitiligo, and I’m proud of what makes me unique.
I’m really good at science and I’m working on getting better at math. I can do hard things, and sometimes I get a little silly. I like figuring out my feelings and calming down with the help of Kiwi.
Meet Kareem
Hey! I’m Kiwi. I can’t see well in one eye, but I always try my best. I’m a little sassy and love going on adventures. I love hanging out with my friend Kareem, he’s silly too, but we help each other make good choices. Oh, and I love eating chicken!
Meet Kiwi The Cat
Hey! I’m Fatoom, the older sister. I love listening to music, especially Arabic songs, my favourites are Abdullah Rowaished and Elissa. My style is black and dark, and I enjoy calm activities like painting. I also love bugs and cars! Being the older sister, I’m responsible, but sometimes I get angry very fast, so I’m learning how to calm myself.
Meet Fatma (Call me Fatoom!)
Hi! I’m Fahed. I’m a scientist and I do the coolest experiments. I’m also very emotional and sometimes get sad easily, but I’m working to be stronger for my family. I love spending time with Kareem and Fatoom and cheering them on when they try new things.
Meet Dad – Fahed
Hi! I’m Fouz. I’m a fashion designer and I make fabulous clothes. I love taking care of my family and making every day special. Sometimes I get angry, even too angry, but I’m working on being kinder and calming my body down. I like to do Zumba on the weekends to help me feel relaxed.
Meet Mom – Fouz
Hello! I’m Yousef, Kareem and Fatoom’s grandfather. I love reading stories with my children and teaching them about history and how to be better people. Spending time with my family and sharing what I know makes me very happy!
Meet Grandfather – Yousef (Jidou)
Salam!! I’m Noha, Kareem and Fatoom’s grandmother. I used to be a teacher, and I love spending time with my grandchildren. I enjoy doing fun STEM projects and cooking with them. Being with my family makes means alot to me..
Meet Grandmother – Noha (Jida)
