Various Arab traditions and cultural practices are observed all year round in this spirited picture book. Each month of the year gets a two-page spread while cheerful line drawings show Arab families and individuals with various skin tones, clothing styles, and interests engaging in a variety of activities, including but not limited to holiday celebrations and religious observances, with racial, religious, and cultural diversity among Arab people clearly shown. In February, inspired by a comic about Martin Luther King Jr., two children make a comic to educate their classmates about Ramadan, while March shows children making maamoul with their grandmother for Easter. The text celebrates other foods (warak enab and pomegranates), types of clothing (hijabs, keffiyehs), and art forms (a type of drum called a doumbek, henna designs, Arabic calligraphy). During special celebrations and on ordinary days, “no matter where we are, / no matter what we do, / we’re Arab, Arab, Arab, / the whole year through!”    (Ages 5-10)

Celebrate the beauty and diversity of life in the Arab diaspora throughout the year.

Wrapping grape leaves, playing doumbek, drawing henna tattoos,
we’re Arab, Arab, Arab, the whole year through!

Yallah! From January to December, join some busy kids as they partake in traditions old and new. There’s so much to do, whether it’s learning to write Arabic or looking at hijab fashion sites while planning costumes for a local comic convention. With details as vivid as the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle perfume (made to remind Mom of Morocco), children bond with friends, honor tradition, and spend loving time with family. Accompanied by buoyant and charming illustrations, this portrait of Arab life and childhood zeal is sure to bring joy all year round. Back matter includes an extensive glossary and notes to enrich the experience for readers of any culture.