Leila Boukarim
Leila Boukarim writes stories for children that inspire empathy and encourage meaningful discussions. She enjoys reading (multiple books at a time), embroidering, nature walking, and spending time with people, listening to their stories and sharing her own. Leila lives in Berlin, Germany.
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Books by Leila
Forthcoming: preorder now!
A savvy little girl explains how to survive a huge family party—especially the never-ending goodbye at the end—in this cheeky and charming picture book celebration of Middle Eastern culture.
What happens when you’re invited to a Middle Eastern party?
A LOT!
Which is why your good friend Salwa will show how to make the most of every minute and navigate those tricky parts, step by step, from the joyful Salam! when you arrive until the longest goodbye in the history of goodbyes when you’re ready to leave.
★"A tender testament to the healing power of art."—Booklist, starred review
"A gentle tale of joy, healing, community, and the power of art...Comforting, uplifting, and full of nostalgia."—Kirkus
“Food and words have long been an important part of Palestinian resistance. This uplifting picture book perfectly utilizes both while sharing a story of hope and liberation in the face of injustice.” —Hannah Moushabeck, award-winning author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine
“Provides an accessible entry point to many critical issues of the day.” — Booklist
“Uplifting and highly inspirational.” — Kirkus Reviews
“There are hundreds of recipes for hummus, but only Leila Boukarim’s Sundays Are for Feasts captures the smells and flavors of spending Sundays with family, mashing chickpeas together with tahini, garlic, lemon and lots of Lebanese love! A perfect book for schools and libraries about the bonds a traditional food has with families.” - Cathy Camper, author of ‘Ten Ways to Hear Snow’ and ‘Arab Arab All Year Long!’
“A winsome ode to Middle Eastern food and families.” — Kirkus Reviews
“...the pair’s inventive energy and Lopez’s colorful cartooning string the story through with lightness and heart.” — Kirkus Reviews
“These hilarious and lovable aliens have only been on Earth for six days but they navigate being human like experts… in chaos. And I adored every second!” -Tara J. Hannon, author of Birtle and the Purple Turtles
“Heartbreaking yet warmly tinged with hope.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Boukarim traces the protagonist growing up, having “lost my words” to discuss these experiences, even through adulthood—until an intergenerational moment opens a pathway to the past.” — Publishers Weekly
“A necessary and well-crafted picture book about a part of world history too often ignored.” — The Horn Book Magazine
“Simple yet energetic dialogue by Boukarim (Hello Goodbye Little Island) combines with deliciously bright artwork from Lopez (LankyBox: Epic Adventure!), making the events of this goofy early reader graphic novel offering practically bounce off the page. It’s a warm and madcap meditation on teamwork, patience, and new experiences told through a comestible escapade starring cartoonish pseudo-siblings finding common ground in their love for chickpea paste.” - Publisher's Weekly
“A mix of simple comedic ingredients with a few twists as garnish makes for a funny, fast read.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Lopez's expressive, witty artwork is full of comedic, slapstick energy and really complements the characters and the overall story. In addition to the playful, inviting story, Zips and Eeloo actually follow some good directions, and a recipe at the end will give kids a chance to try it on their own. Delicious fun.” - Booklist
”Everyday Ninja breaks the preset mould of what girls are capable of doing and what they are expected to be. This story is very refreshing. It’s cute, it’s funny, it’s innocent. It’s a great example to children everywhere!”—ANGELA LEE PUCCI, 5x ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion
‘No one puts a smile on my face, a flower in my hat and good in my days like my good friend Mrs Wong!’— Aunty Lee (OVIDIA YU, author of the Aunty Lee mystery series)