The Donkey who Carried the War on her Back

The Arabic edition of The Donkey who Carried the War on her Back, published by our collaborator Tamer Institute for Community Education was selected for The White Ravens 2025 List, compiled by the Internationale Jugendbibliothek in Munich! 215 notable children’s and young adult books published in 49 languages and from 63 countries were identified by the library's staff as well as freelance readers and advisors from around the world. The recommended books on this list comprise universal relevance of the themes they address, literary and visual qualities and/or innovative approach or design.

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Zahra is a young donkey who lives with her companion Sami in Gaza City. Their days are filled with simple yet meaningful routines: carrying baskets of vegetables from the market, delivering falafel sandwiches to schoolchildren, or transporting flowers and strawberries from the fields. Through Zahra’s voice, readers experience the innocence of ordinary life, rich with joy and connection. When war reaches the city, everything changes. The same familiar tasks take on a new weight: flour, water, and even wounded people replace fruits and flowers. Without sensationalizing, this story captures how war transforms daily routines and community rhythms.

Hooda Al Shawa’s delicate narrative, paired with Sienny Septibella’s evocative illustrations, addresses the consequences of war for everyday existence with sensitivity and care. Rather than focusing on violence, the book highlights resilience, companionship, and the quiet endurance of ordinary beings who hope that one day life will be filled with strawberries and flowers again

Text by Hooda Al Shawa

Illustrated by Sienny Septibella

Published by Cinnamon Art Publishing, in collaboration with Tamer Institute for Community Education

Length: 44 pages

Format: Hardback

Language: English

ISBN 978-981-18-1604-8 (English edition)

ISBN 978-981-18-1602-4 (Arabic edition)

First published in 2024

الحمارة التي حملت الحرب على ظهرها

تعيش الحمارة زهرة مع صاحبها سامي، في مدينة غزة في فلسطين، وترافقه في مشاويرهما اليومية. ذات يوم شهدت المدينة حرباً مدمرة.

تُرينا زهرة، وتروي لنا عن الحياة، والصداقة، والصمود والأمل في أحلك الظروف والأوقات.

الحمير هم أحد الأبطال المجهولين في هذه الحرب.

النص: هدى الشوا

الرسام: سييني سيبتيبيلا

بالتعاون مع مؤسسة تامر للتعليم المجتمعي.

ISBN 978-981-18-1604-8 (English edition)

ISBN 978-981-18-1602-4 (Arabic edition)

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