جمل حليم

by Griffin Ondaatje, Linda Wolfsgruber (Illustrations), فاطمة شرف الدين (Translator)

هي قصة جمل قسا عليه صاحبه حليم، فهو يبخل عليه بالطعام والماء ويرهقه بالسفر المتواصل.
تستمر معاناة الجمل إلى أن تصادف أن رأى الرسول (ص) الجمل واقفًا تحت الشمس محملاً بالبضائع الثقيلة بينما يرقد صاحبه في الظل.
فاستاء الرسول (ص) مما رأى وأشفق على الجمل وواساه ثم وبخ حليمًا وأمره بأن يحسن معاملة الجمل.
غمرت حليم أحاسيس غريبة جعلته يشعر بآلام الجمل وباشر في العناية به.
القصة مستوحاة من حديث شريف، تعلم الأطفال الرحمة والتعاطف مع الجميع، بشرًا كانوا أو حيوانات.

Genres: Picture Books, Islam, Animals, Childrens, Middle East, Cultural, International

44 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2013

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Camel in the Sun by Griffin Ondaatje, Illustrator Linda Wolfsgruber- Hindi language translation by Arvind Gupta- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The narrates the re-telling of the story inspired by a traditional Muslim hadith, which means - account of the words or actions of the Prophet. The author had heard this story in Sri Lanka. In brief, the story is about a camel whose cruel owner only realizes what suffering he has caused to the camel, when the Prophet appears and shows love to the animal. The camel has worked its entire life for his owner named Halim. The camel carries bundles of spices, dates, incense, silver and wool on long journeys across the desert, east of the Red Sea. It often has to climb steep dunes, run when it is exhausted, and wait in the hot sun while Halim sits in the shade talking to the other merchants. One day the camel is overwhelmed by sadness and finds itself in tears. But still Halim shows no sympathy or kindness to the camel. When they arrive in the beautiful garden-filled city of Medina where the Prophet lives, the merchant refreshes himself with food and drink and then naps on a pillow of sand, once again leaving the tired camel to stand alone in the burning sun. But when the Prophet sees the camel's plight, everything changes. Halim finally empathizes with the camel's pain and suffering. The book narrates an unforgettable story about empathy. Coloured illustrations help the reader in relating to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The old camel belonging to the merchant Halim had worked hard for him, carrying both the merchant and his large, heavy bundles filled with all sorts of goods long distances back and forth across the desert. Halim never stopped to let the camel rest, and at the end of the day, he forced it to run to reach a place where he might sell his goods. The camel often was left exhausted, breathless and thirsty in the hot sun while the merchant carried out his business in the shade.

One day, as they were traveling across the desert, the camel began to to feel water in his eyes and when he realized that he was weeping, he just came to a stop in the middle of the desert. The merchant to his camel that the slower he walked, the longer it would take to get a drink.

The camel learned to keep its sad feelings to itself, except at night when the merchant slept.

One day, they came to Medina, a beautiful city of gardens where it was said that the Prophet lived. Halim tied the camel up in the hot sun and went to sit in the shade with other men. The merchant had water, dates and conducted business, than lay down in the shade for a nap, leaving the camel in the sun.

The Prophet happened to be out for a walk and saw the sleeping merchant in the shade and the camel in the sun, still carrying large bundles on his back. The Prophet went to the camel and offered it his shoulder to lean on. The camel sighed and tears started to fall, tears that then turned up in Halim dream and suddenly the merchant was seeing through the camel's eyes, seeing his tiredness, his sadness, his loneliness, feeling the hot sun and the camel's pain.

The Prophet looks at the merchant and asks if he can feel the camel's sadness, then walks away.

The Camel in the Sun is a story about compassion and empathy. It is written in easy to understand language so these concepts won't get lost on younger readers and because it is about a camel and a merchant, it distances itself from young readers just enough for them to clearly see the importance of these ideas.

There is a note at the beginning of the book that says that in keeping with Islamic tradition, the Prophet is not pictured anywhere in the story. And yet, when he is with the camel, you can, without question, feel his presence. The first time I read The Camel in the Sun, I didn't see this note, yet I never realized that the Prophet wasn't pictured.

Perhaps that is due to the cleverness of the illustrator, Linda Wolfsgruber. Her monoprints done in dusty shades of browns, tans, olive greens and orange give not only the feeling of a hot parched desert, but also the cool, shaded lushness of Medina.

In his Author's note, Griffin Ondaatje writes that he first heard the story of the tired camel along with other stories about compassion in 1994 while doing research in Sri Lanka. Later, he learned it was a hadith, which he defines as an "account of the Prophet's words or actions passed down from generation to generation."

I do have one complaint. Sometimes the text is set against a dark background making it hard to read and since this is an ideal bedtime read aloud, when lights are generally not as bright as usual, it makes it difficult to see. Otherwise, this is indeed a wonderful story.

And, though this is a story from Islamic tradition, it is a story with a message from which we can all learn and benefit, regardless of our beliefs.

This book is recommended for readers age 5+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL

This review was originally posted at Randomly Reading

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps the next time I am bemoaning my fate and the hard tasks that lie ahead of me, I should keep in mind the camel in this story. All of his life he has served his master, Halim, by carrying whatever he wants across the desert. When the camel realizes that Halim has no pity for him or no empathy for how hard his life is, he becomes even more depressed. But one day while he waits in the hot sun for his master to bring him water, the Prophet sees his tears, and he makes sure that Halim also experiences the camel's pain. Never again will he lack patience with the beast. The lovely illustrations are monoprints with drawings. The text and images are vivid reminders to think of others and to act kindly.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone recently reviewed this book and I am lucky enough to have quickly found it at my library. Because one of my students is studying Islam, I know she will love the story and the way it came about to the author too. This is an outcome of the author hearing a part of a hadith, according to the author's notes, an accounting of the Prophet's words passed from generation to generation. This is a story of a camel and its cruel owner, the Prophet noticing and caring for the camel, and in that caring, showing the owner what compassion is. I know that the story will bring about interest to children, perhaps especially those who love animals or who don't know much about desert travelers and the toil of camels. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Katie Logonauts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating and evocative story is based on a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad and his encounter with a tired camel. This story has an important message about thinking about the thoughts and perspectives of others, including animals.

[Madison Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting book. I liked that this book is more based on the point of view of the camel and how he felt rather than about how his owner felt in the heat. The story is very nice and told very well. I think it is a good amount of text and would be good for student to read. The illustrations in it are very nice as well. The style of them is very unique which I thought went well with the book.

[Hasfa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on one of the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Its about kindness not only to humans but also to animals. Sometimes we dont know what we are doing with other living things. We should respect everyone's comfort and feelings. Free the camel from unnecessary burden and give her comfort so that a person can get comfort too.
A nice short story. Must be read to your kids.

[Israa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, sad, and meaningful. The illustrations are colorfully detailed. However, the story doesn’t go exactly according to tradition, but it shows the moral clearly. This will make a great read aloud and prompt discussion on the ethical treatment of animals.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful

[superawesomekt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated gentle hadith that is appropriate for young children and adults alike. A lovely book.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aw. Poor camel. :( It's a good story about compassion and empathy, but for kids who already feel things deeply, it might just be sad.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a story from Sri Lanka and a traditional Muslim hadith, this book is the story of an aging camel. The camel has traveled the deserts carrying his owner and bundles of trade goods for years. One day the camel starts to cry with his misery, but his owner shows no compassion and simply climbs back on. The camel never showed his misery in the daylight again, but at night he started to escape and float like a boat on the water. Then they arrived in the city of Medina, where the Prophet was staying. The camel’s owner immediately goes to sleep in the shade, leaving his camel on a short lead, tied in place, and in the full heat of the sun. The Prophet sees the grief of the camel and shows the owner what the camel is feeling.

Beautifully told, this book pays deep homage to the traditions that it is based on. The origins of the story are clearly detailed in his author’s note. Ondaatje demonstrates the misery of the life of the camel and his sadness in detail, making sure that readers understand that this is deep sadness and a life of misery. He clearly explains compassion in a tangible way, showing readers what it means to learn how to be compassionate.

The illustrations are exceptional. They capture the grittiness of the desert with earth tones using different painting techniques combined with line drawings in various colors. Readers will notice that the Prophet is not depicted in the images, showing respect for the culture and beliefs.

A strong story about compassion, this book offers a glimpse at Muslim traditions as well as a beautiful story that everyone can enjoy and learn from. Appropriate for ages 5-7.

[KerriRowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Camel in the Sun is a story about a camel that has worked for the same merchant his whole life. The merchant’s name is Halim and he’s selfish and greedy. Halim only thinks of himself until a life changing experience happens in a dream while he rests under a tree during one of their many stops they make. Because the merchant expects a lot from the camel without little shade, rest and water, the camel is very sad and depressed. The camel believes his whole life will be spent like this while working for the merchant until one day when the Prophet approaches him. The Prophet shows comparison and love towards the camel and in doing so make the merchant dream about what his behavior has done to the camel. When he wakes up from his dream, he changes his ways with the camel. A story that demonstrates selfishness and the lack of kindness turns to the meaning of empathy. I believe this book could have different meanings to the variety of readers that picks it up. Symbolism may mean something to one person and nothing to another. It’s an easy read that I would suggest, even if it’s only for the beautiful illustrations.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly captures the nature of compassion. This beautiful retelling of a hadith leaves us with the feeling that everything deserves compassion. Even a camel is worthy of it, especially such an exhausted and hardworking one. Unfortunately the owner of this camel is oblivious to its misery, until one day the prophet appears, and helps him see his error.

The tale itself is not a translation, rather it is told in the authors own words. While these in themselves are powerful, it is the illustrations that have the most impact. Their subtle changes in colour not only capture the hues of the desert and its life, but the emotional thoughts of the camel as well.

Regardless of your own belief, this is a tale that transcends beyond those boundaries; compassion is a trait that humans in general need to learn, and this is an excellent story to learn it from.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated interpretation of an ancient Middle Eastern folktale, told to illustrate compassion. A camel has worked its entire life for a merchant who doesn't care for it properly. The camel is overloaded with burdens, is not rested or watered properly, is tethered in the hot sunlight, and is generally treated as an object, not as a living animal. It becomes sadder and sadder but the owner is oblivious to the camel's suffering. One day the Prophet sees the sad, tired, and overheated camel and offers his shoulder as support. The camel weeps; the owner, sleeping in the shade, dreams and through his dream begins to understand his camel's plight. With that, he changes his attitude and treats his camel with more respect and compassion.

The story is gentle and compelling but the illustrations make the book.

Middle school, both boys and girls.

[SUVENDRINI HELENA CAMILLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camille, my 8 year old daughter and I just completed this book this morning. I fondly chose to share this book with my daughter recognizing the Sri Lankan name of the author.
My daughter says she like the book because it teaches a good lesson. Camille noticed the illustrations and found them a little messy, despite liking them. She says its a good story and it has good details. Camille was struck by the character of the crying camel and the merchant dreaming about the camel's tears.
I found the book moving and a great lesson in empathy.

[Shanice Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Camel in the Sun, is a powerful story about a merchant Halim and his Camel who carries Halim across the hot desert for many days,the camel becomes tired and sad and slows down. Halim his owner doesn't realize the camel's sadness and continue to load the camel with sacs and travel across the desert until they reach Medina and meet a prophet who becomes instantly aware of the camels sadness and through a dream Halim finally is able to relate to the camels tired body and sadness.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A merchant overworks his camel everyday and shows no compassion when the camel is clearly sad and tired. On a trip to Medina, the camel meets the Prophet, who comforts the camel in its sadness and gently scolds its owner.

Beautifully illustrated story. The Prophet is not pictured in this book, as is the tradition and respect given to Muhammad.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a retelling of a traditional Muslim story. A sad and poorly taken care of camel is visited by the Prophet. Through the treatment of an animal, the reader/listener learns what it means to have empathy.
My favorite aspect to the story was the creation of place. Through the illustrations and descriptions, I became acquainted to the camel's desert world, east of the Red Sea.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful tale of compassion is inspired by a Hadith and the reader cannot help but simply feel drawn to the camel and its silent suffering, right from the start of the tale. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations that match the setting and mood of the narrative perfectly, this picture book is a very special treat.

[Dennis Liverani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book a lot. Great concept, and the illustrations with the camel, the mean owner and the dessert. I am glad the owner had a dream allowing him to understand that he wasn't treating the camel so nice and had a change of heart. I think children can relate to this book and maybe put a different perspective on how we should treat people and animals.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blazing illustrations in brown and tan evoke the desert in this traditional story by Griffin Ondaatje. There is an author's note about the origin of the story, but no Lexile measure is available. Useful for units on Islamic folklore, the Middle East, and animal cruelty.

[Taylor Worsencroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I really liked the illustration in this book. I feel this is a good book to read to children because it opens them up to different cultures. This is important kin classrooms.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about empathy for others. The beautiful illustrations take us to another land and another time, and the beautiful prose makes you want to read it over and over again.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply told, the tale of the camel shows children the need for compassion. I'm not familiar with the hadith, but am enjoyed experiencing this one.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

too long for a storytime read, but beautiful pictures. a tale of Muhammad's compassion on this animal.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool picture book inspired by an Islamic folktale

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about empathy and compassion based on a story from a traditional Muslim hadith.

[Monica Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving story no matter what religion you may be. The moral is be kind to animals. Cannot say it enough.