The Islamic Year author invited to British Museum celebrations

CHRIS SMITH, storyteller and co-author of The Islamic Year, was delighted to take part in the British Museum's 250th anniversary celebrations - one of only 10 storytellers throughout the year to be invited to do so!

Chris spent the whole of 7th June 2003 in the Islamic Gallery of the museum, performing to hundreds of people during the day, retelling Arabic myths and fables, and interpreting the history and culture of Islam, through story and music. His recent book, The Islamic Year, includes many of the stories he performs.

Children and adults from all over the world followed Chris as he moved through the gallery, playing lute and flute.

'It was such a stimulating experience, meeting people of all nationalities and faiths, and sharing these wonderful songs and tales of Islam', said Chris, who gives regular Islamic storytelling sessions in British primary schools. 'Although exhausting, I found it wonderfully rewarding - and the visitors seemed to enjoy it, too!'

Hawthorn Press, June 13th 2003

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from 'The Gloucester Citizen', 4th April 2003

Gloucester County Council orders The Islamic Year
for every primary school in the city

Peace starts with understanding another's point of view, and Iraqi writer Noorah Al-Gailani is starting at the beginning - with children.

Iraqi-born Noorah has co-written a book about Islam for children, The Islamic Year, which has already proved to be a hit with education experts.

Gloucestershire County Council has ordered a copy of The Islamic Year for every primary school in Gloucester. It is perhaps timely that their order was placed just days after the coalition forces began bombing Iraq in late March.

Martin Large of Hawthorn press in Stroud, which publishes the book, is heartened by the county council's order: 'It shows great open-mindedness and sensitivity at a very difficult time. The book will help primary teachers and pupils understand Islamic faith and Culture.'

Martin Large continues: 'We would be delighted if all Local Education Authorities were to take a similar forward-thinking viewpoint: the book is an introduction to Islam that children (and adults) who are unfamiliar with the faith can understand and enjoy. Understanding is key to accepting, and to avoiding prejudice.' ….

Noorah was delighted when Hawthorn Press asked her to write the latest book in their series looking at different festivals. 'Most of the existing children's books about Islam are very formal and were written like historical texts, which don't really engage children.'

Noorah and her co-author Chris Smith decided to produce a book which would be accessible and interesting to non-Muslim children… Noorah concludes: 'All religious groups are the same. They reveal the trappings of organised social groups, be it religious or otherwise. It's very human…Everyone is like everyone else.'

Victoria Temple

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