Sakina and the Uninvited Guests

By Zahra Marwan

Book Overview

Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

From Ezra Jack Keats Award honoree author Zahra Marwan, a picture book about the magic power of art to connect us to the past and to each other.

* "A powerful story." -School Library Journal, starred review
* "Begs multiple viewings." -Horn Book, starred review
* "Worth visiting time and time again." -BookPage, starred review
"Stunningly illustrated." -Kirkus Reviews

When a sandstorm descends upon the city, Sakina and her mama forego their plans to visit the beach and head to the local museum instead. While Sakina yawns and scowls at the boring old relics, her mama's eyes keep filling with tears, moved by the details she recognizes.

But when it's finally time to leave the museum, Sakina returns home with something unexpected . . .

Can three uninvited guests help Sakina see the museum through her mama's eyes?

This gorgeous, sweeping picture book illuminates the incredible power of art: it humanizes our ancestors, connects us to the past and to each other, and reflects the essential, universal human need to be understood and remembered.

Discover another deeply moving story from Zahra Marwan, the critically acclaimed creator of the New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book Where Butterflies Fill the Sky.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1547613424
• ISBN13: 9781547613427
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.2" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3