Going to Mecca

by Na'ima B. Robert, Valentina Cavallini (Illustrator)

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847804907
Publisher:	Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Publication date:	06/10/2014
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	5 - 11 Years

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. 

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. In 2007 her illustrations were chosen for the Bologna Book Fair Illustrators' Exhibition and toured Japan and Korea. Going to Mecca is Cavallini's first published picture book.

Read an Excerpt

Walk with the pilgrims

As they cross, just like Hajar,

The valley that lies

In between those two hills.

Where she ran and ran,

Backwards and forwards.

Seven times over,

Looking for water.



Weep with the pilgrims

As they think of her pain.



Wait with the pilgrims

As the ninth day approaches.

And the city swells

With pilgrims from all lands.

From city

And steppe,

From island

And desert.

They all congregate

To continue the journey.

Editorial Reviews

'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.'

A beautiful book.

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.

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.

The stunningly illustrated book conveys clearly the rites involved in making Hajj. This is a 10/10 read.

Engaging and vibrant artwork.. This book would be suitable to support the teaching and learning of pupils enquiring in to the Hajj.

A beautiful book.

 '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.'

From the Publisher

Robert, convert to Islam and author of several books, including notable YA titles (From Somalia with Love), has put together an informative and entertaining children’s book about the required Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. The salient and central aspects of the pilgrimage, or hajj, are described in a narrative that places readers in the footsteps of the Muslim pilgrim, and conveys the divinity, sacredness, and excitement in the hajj journey. Adult readers will probably also enjoy the read, enhanced by the collage and mixed-media illustrations, which showcase the diversity of the Muslim population, in all colors, sizes, ages, and backgrounds (some pilgrims are shown in wheelchairs). The scenes also portray Islamic architecture and iconic symbols such as the Kaaba. While some items require some adult explanation and some language is slightly inartful, on the whole this book is a wonderful read. An excellent choice for bookstore display or as a gift during the hajj period. Ages 5–9. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

K-Gr 4—Free verse introduces children to the ritual traditions of the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims make if they are able. A father, mother, brother, and sister fly from London to Saudi Arabia on "the journey of a lifetime," and readers are enjoined to participate vicariously with the family as they wrap themselves in white sheets, gaze upon the Black Stone, and more. Cavallini depicts the full diversity of Muslims in her color-drenched collage and mixed-media illustrations, which will help children with a limited knowledge of Islam to see that many different kinds of people are followers of this faith. The first letter of the poem on each page is reminiscent of Arabic writing, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in this sacred experience. Robert's reverential text flows well, and necessary back matter explains more about the Hajj and the rituals surrounding it, but non-Muslim children may still be left with many questions. For example, when the text states that the pilgrims' heads are bare, children will want to know why the women's heads are covered. At the end of the Hajj, "[t]he pilgrims shave their hair." Once again, it is only the men who do this. Libraries serving communities with large Muslim populations will certainly want this in their collections; those libraries looking for material to explain Muslim culture and traditions might not find it as useful.—Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI

School Library Journal

The trip to Mecca, the Hajj, is the most important religious event in the life of a Muslim. A family living in London sets forth on their spiritual journey, leaving the youngest child behind with her grandmother. Most double-page spreads highlight one stage of the trip with a free-verse poem, such as the one that addresses attire: "Dress with a pilgrim / As he stands barefoot, / A sheet round his shoulders, / Another round his waist." Readers are exhorted to vicariously take part in all the rituals of the nine-day observance. The repetitive nature of the first lines of the poems is soothing, but it may resonate most with young Muslim readers, as children are asked to call out in prayer and gaze at the Black Stone on one side of the Ka'bah, among other "requests." Although the poems attempt to explain all the practices and there is a back page with additional information, adults familiar with Islam are best positioned to share the book with children as part of a larger discussion on this pillar of the Muslim faith. The folk-art–style mixed-media illustrations, utilizing fabrics and papers, show the great diversity of Muslim pilgrims. There is no bibliography. Follow this contemporary family, but pack some more expertise in your imaginary suitcase. (Picture book. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews