Book Review: An ABC Escapade through Egypt
Elegant Egrets and Floating Felukat
Mountains of Mangoes and Oodles of Olives
Zooming Zalamokkat in Zamalek…
These are a few of Egypt’s favorite things as described by Bernadette Simpson in her delightful book “An ABC Escapade through Egypt”.
Using alliterative writing and the English alphabet, the author has composed a series of one-page chapters that cover everything about living in modern Egypt, from “Admiring Amazing Athletes” to the funny names Egyptians use to call a Mercedes car.
Simpson, an American teacher living in Egypt, has trodden the unbeaten path. Hers is a children educational book not dealing with the trite Western perception of Egypt as a country with a fanciful past. Instead, she has focused her attention on delivering amazing facts about a vibrant modern country, one Egyptian children can be proud of.
Simpson taught for eight years in Cairo at various international and local schools. She felt that Egyptian students of English at the elementary level (ages 8 to 12) should have the opportunity to read books about their own country and culture. In my opinion, An ABC Escapade through Egypt is also a relevant textbook for children of English speaking foreigners attending international schools in Egypt. And with its colorful photographs printed on simulated papyrus background, the book is also a fine souvenir to bring back home.
Bernadette Simpson uses an unpretentious English conversational style, spiced here and there with Arabic words. I went hungry for delicious desert dates and thirsty for wonderful watermelons. I felt relaxed at the Red Sea and troubled traveling through traffic. Once finished, I had a wonderful modern Egyptian experience. I know other readers, young and not so young, will have it too.
Review by Ben Morales-Correa
