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Bahraini Eman Hassan Ali is living out her childhood dreams by launching her first English book that would make the likes of Dr Seuss proud, writes Mai Al-Khatib Camille.
The 38-year-old mother-of-three, who works in a financial institution, shared one of Bahraini children’s favourite folktale in 24 pages of witty rhymes and colourful illustrations to bring smiles to both young and old across the kingdom.
“I always wanted to be an author,” explained Eman who originally started writing this book in 2009. She, however, started taking it seriously after having her children.
“I remember writing stories as a child for years. However, like many people, I got preoccupied with life. I have always been inspired by Roald Dahl, Dr Seuss and Julia Child’s books. I wanted to create a sort of Arabic inspired version of their lovable and quaint characters, and of course, I needed it to be in rhymes.
“Also, I wanted to write a children’s story that is a little funny ... something relatable to Arabic children, and any Bahraini would tell you that they are drawn to the folktale of ‘Um Ehmar’ as a child. I wanted to play with the idea.” The original story is of scary origins based on an evil donkey lady that eats children playing outside at noon.
However, Eman gave the fable a cute spin to make it more
appealing for children.
“The story is about a little girl named Hamra, living in a little house in a little village and her rise to her famous name ‘Um Ehmar’,” added Eman. “She is one of the most feared characters of Bahraini folktales and my book is her true story.
“I hope it would be entertaining for the reader, be it young or old, and above all, create a topic of shared conversation between generations. I would love children to ask their parents and their grandparents about this character or similar folktales and share stories about their childhood, relive that fear and laugh together.
“My son Yousif AlMohri, nine, liked it a lot and had many questions to ask about the actual folktale. I understand similar folktales exist between different cultures and countries, so I would also love different people to share conversations about similar experiences.”
The book is published by Austin Macauley Publishers and the illustrations have been done by Nadine Issa from Lebanon.
“It took me a while to find someone with the exact style and look, and I was so happy to have found Nadine’s beautiful work,” explained Eman. “It feels exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time; to bear a part of myself so openly for the public to critique ... it’s scary and rewarding.”
Eman, who studied in London for a period of her life before completing her education in Bahrain Bayan School and receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Bahrain along with other professional degrees in compliance, is already working on an upcoming series.
“I have an idea for a series I would love to write,” she said. “I’ve received some interest from a publisher, so that would be an exciting next project.”
