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Home Away from Home

Grouped product items
Hardcover

ISBN: 9798888598962

$17.99
Coming Soon
Paperback

ISBN: 9798888599457

$9.99
Coming Soon
Written by Nazneen Akbari
Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

Pre-order now from our partners at Bookshop.org, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Nuha is already worried about spending the summer in Oman. When she leaves behind her dearest doll, how will she possibly feel at home in Oman now?

“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.”

This summer, Nuha and Mama are traveling to Oman to visit her Jadda. Mama is excited to visit home, but Oman doesn’t feel like home to Nuha. 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 Nuha accidentally leaves Mary behind, the thought of staying in Oman all summer feels impossible. Until Jadda ushers her into the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the souk (market) to look for a new doll. Little by little, Nuha begins to realize Oman is special in its own way, and even finds glimpses of home.

  • A sweet story about reconnecting with faraway grandparents and rediscovering cultural identity.
  • Based on the author’s own experience moving from India to Oman as a kid
  • Endnotes provide further information about Oman and the souk in the story

More Details

  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.75 Inches
  • Page Count: 32 pages
  • Age Range: 3 to 5 years

Awards & Accolades

"Sweet celebration of faraway family, the beauty of culture, and the common experiences Nuha and Jadda share makes this tale a standout" – School Library Journal

"Folk art touches in the illustrations, which favor bright pinks, blues, and yellows, evoke the warmth of Oman and of Nuha’s family’s love" – Foreword Reviews

About the Contributors

Written by - Nazneen Akbari
Nazneen Akbari is of Indian heritage, grew up in O an, and has lived all over the world. By day, she works for the US Department of State. By night, she's dreaming up picture books and enjoying life in Pennsylvania, USA, with her husband and three kids.
Illustrated by - Rashin Kheiriyeh
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. Born in Iran, she is now a professor at the University of Maryland College Park and lives in Washington, DC, USA.