Oman provides rich pickings for the imagination of poets and authors. Quite a few literary publications in recent years have been set in Muscat, elsewhere in Oman or colonial Zanzibar.
But few works of fiction set in the Sultanate have been written and published for the youngest of readers, especially pre-school children aged 3 to 5 years old. Nazneen Akbari has set her delightful 32-page picture book 'Home Away from Home' in Muttrah Souq and is one of the first internationally released picture books from Oman.
The story follows Nuha, an Omani-American girl visiting her grandmother in Muscat for the first time: “This summer, Nuha and Mama are travelling to Oman to visit her ‘Jadda’ (grandmother). Mama is excited to visit home, but Nuha is already worried about spending the summer in Oman; it doesn’t feel like home to her. The air is warm and sticky, people wear different clothes, and a language she barely understands swirls around her. At least she has her dearest doll, Mary, to keep her company.”
When she realises she has left Mary behind, Nuha wonders how she can possibly feel at home in Oman now; the thought of staying there all summer feels impossible. “Oman is your home away from home,” Mama said softly. “Your Jadda hasn’t seen you in three years and she’s excited to spend the summer with you. You’ll have fun together.”
When Jadda takes her to the market to look for a new doll, Nuha begins to realise that Oman is special in its own way, and even finds glimpses of home. As they walk through Muttrah Souq, Nuha experiences the wonderful sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Oman, and slowly begins to appreciate sharing the beauty of Arabic culture with her grandmother.
The narrative centres on a child who navigates life between two homes, ultimately discovering that ‘home’ is shaped more by relationships than location alone. Through simple storytelling and evocative imagery it addresses themes for children such as reconnecting with faraway grandparents, cultural transition and rediscovering their identity. It considers the meaning of ‘home’ among children whose lives are spent in-between places, cultures and emotional worlds.
Nazneen Akbari is of Indian heritage, grew up in Oman, and has lived all over the world. By day she works, and by night she's dreaming up picture books with her husband and three children. “Home Away from Home” is based partly on the author’s own experience of moving from India to Oman as a child.
Rashin Kheiriyeh provided the magical mixed-media illustrations which bring the tale to life for parents and children alike, offering an authentic and joyful portrayal of Omani life. Her brightly coloured folk-art inflections evoke the warmth of Oman and Nuha’s family.
Iranian-born Rashin Kheiriyeh is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning illustrator, author, animation director and painter who has published more than 65 children's books around the world.
'Home Away From Home' has been awarded the US seal of the Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard. Published by Barefoot Books it can be bought online via nazneenakbari.com. The last page provides further information about Oman, the historic Muttrah Souq and an Arabic glossary. The story will resonate particularly strongly during Ramadhan as it explores themes of family love, Muslim identity and cultural pride.
Nazneen Akbari will be conducting a workshop at the Muscat International Book Fair on March 28.
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