Emirati author debuts children’s book about tolerance

First-time Emirati author Hassan Al Marashi has released a book called Karmeel’s Little Secret. The book tells the story of Kameel, a young camel who is different from the other camels. When the other camels are cruel to Kamel his owner leads him out into the dessert to make new friends. He is given a blue jumper to hide his secret, however his secret is accidentally revealed resulting in a lesson about tolerance.

According to the author, the story was inspired by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s legacy of tolerance, bolstering multiculturalism and rejecting discrimination.

The book is brought to life by Abu Dhabi-based illustrator Ruth Burrows. Hassan will be discussing the book at the Emirates Literature Festival held this Spring.

Kameel’s Little Secret is available to buy at the Ask Explorer shop. The eBook is also available for purchase on Amazon, iBooks and Kobo. If you enjoyed this article, you may like this story on five ways to teach your child to read.