Qismah & Naseeb

" ...readers will treasure this jewel of a book and surely share it with others in the spirit of Halla Bint Khalid's gift to us."— Doris Sommer, Ira and Jewell Williams Professor of Romance Languages & Literatures, African and African American Studies, Social Studies, Harvard University"The pictures are quite exquisite, by far the best that I have seen in a children’s book" — Happy FamiliesAdam awakes one morning to be greeted by the figures of Qismah and his sister Naseeb. At first, he believes them to be figments of his imagination and then wishes them out of his sight. However, they accompany him on a day which brings all sorts of challenges, helping him on a journey of spiritual self-discovery. As Adam is tested by numerous setbacks, Qismah and Naseeb – embodiments of Fate and Fortune – help him gradually to cast off his selfishness, irascibility, envy and greed, and to learn gratitude, humility, generosity and fairness. By the end of the day Adam has reached a contented acceptance of his lot, and is duly rewarded.Halla Bint Khalid’s engaging moral fable is spun in beguiling prose accompanied by her gorgeous artwork, as we follow Adam, Qismah and Naseeb through an array of enchanting landscapes that draw on locations across the Arabic world. Qismah and Naseeb is a book that will delight children and their parents alike.Ages 9 plus years.