"I See the Sun in Afghanistan" depicts war-torn country from child's point of view

Sept. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Through the eyes of a child, I See the Sun in Afghanistan portrays a culture that emphasizes patriarchal family, love of country and fierce loyalty to family and tribe. Although the story takes place against the backdrop of war, it is not political, but an engaging story about one day in the life of a young girl. Her family is preparing for cousins and an aunt and uncle to move in with them and Habiba wonders how everyone will fit into their small home.

Nearly every day we hear something about Afghanistan in the news. Our children hear "Afghanistan," too. Some children have parents in the military stationed there. Some children know our country is fighting a war there; others may simply know that Afghanistan is someplace somewhere else. Period.

I See the Sun in Afghanistan is the third book in the award-winning I See the Sun series written by Dedie King and illustrated by Judith Inglese. The book provides a glimpse into the daily life of an Afghan family as seen through the eyes of Habiba, a young girl growing up in the town of Bamiyan. Without negating the realities of a war-torn country, this is a story that accurately and sensitively sheds light on the fact that Afghan children have the same basic needs and concerns as children everywhere: family, food and shelter, education, and security. Children will be able to recognize the similarities as well as the differences between their own daily life and the culture of Afghanistan.

Like the other books in this series from Satya House, I See the Sun in Afghanistan was written in English. Then it was translated into Dari, also known as Afghan Farsi, by Mohd Vahidi, a native of Afghanistan and currently a doctoral student at the University of Massachusetts.

I See the Sun in Afghanistan was vetted independently for authenticity and accuracy and is richly illustrated with collages made from original photographs and colorful drawings. A country overview and glossary is included for parents and teachers who want to go beyond the story and talk more about Afghanistan and why it is important.

A review in Publisher's Weekly stated, "Inglese's artwork is a haunting mixture of pencil drawings and photo-collage, and despite the story's uncertainties, the overall message is one of resilience."

"This interesting glimpse into the day-to-day life in this turbulent country will allow children to appreciate the similarities and differences that exist between the two cultures," said Grace Oliff in School Library Journal.

Author Dedie King was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal. During her two years there, she also traveled in other parts of Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. She holds a MEd and besides teaching in the Peace Corps, has taught elementary school and children with learning disabilities.

Judith Inglese is an artist who designs and fabricates ceramic tile murals for public environments. She has written and illustrated many books for her children and grandchildren to stimulate their imagination and honor their sense of playfulness. The I See the Sun series is her first collaboration for publication.

The next title in the series will be I See the Sun in Russia (January 2012). I See the Sun in China and I See the Sun in Nepal were published in Fall 2010. Visit http://www.iseethesunbooks.com for complete information.

Reading level: Ages 5 and up
ISBN: 978-0981872087
Price: $12.95
May be purchased directly from the publisher, from on-line retailers such as Amazon, or your favorite bookstore. Contact the publisher directly for information about ordering for schools, libraries, or charitable organizations.

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Satya House is a boutique publishing company, specializing in books that just might change your life or the way you think about it. We publish adult non-fiction, as well as "I See the Sun" books, bi-lingual picture books for children ages 5 and up.