The Day Saida Arrived is a lovely little treat for the senses. It combines a basic story about two friends sharing their respective languages with gorgeous illustrations and some basic translations of English and Arabic words.

I'm not entirely sure this will appeal to very young children. The language is steeped in metaphors and comes across as a bit flowery. It's nice, but I question the appeal of the style for younger readers.

The illustrations are colourful, whimsical, and imaginative. If I have one quibble, it's that some of the Arabic words (the English pronunciations, anyway) are kind of hard to read. The cursive font and the distressed sans serif were particularly noticeable in this regard. (I actually had to look one of the words up just to make sure I was reading it right; it should be clearer than that).

Overall, though, this has a lovely premise and a beautiful aesthetic. Readers looking for books on immigration, diversity, and languages might enjoy this one.

The Day Saida Arrived is a beautiful story about the friendship between two girls from different countries. When Saida arrives from Morocco, she does not speak English, which makes her reticent to speak at all. She forms a friendship with the narrator and they share their languages with one another, exploring words and the beauty of sounds from English and Arabic. As their friendship grows, they share more than just words, enjoying other aspects of both cultures. The artwork by Sonja Wimmer is exquisite and vivid and the perfect marriage to the lyrical words by author, Susana Gomez. The picture book’s backmatter contains a chart of both the Arabic and English alphabet.

Verdict: This is a must buy for school libraries. It is a celebration of diversity. I will be purchasing a copy.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm adding Sonja Wimmer to a list of illustrators that I follow, these illustrations are gorgeous. The story and and illustrations were in perfect balance in this gem of a picture book. It is such a sweet story of friendship, acceptance, and language. I loved this line, "...in all languages they are words as warm as breath and others cold as metal". So profound and such a beautiful message for a children's book.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This is a beautiful story of hpw two girls become the best of friends. They speak different languages but they bond over trying to teach the other her language. I love how the book includes a lot of Arabic words to teach the reader as well.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Beautifully lyrical and colorful as two girls from very different parts of the world find common ground and friendship through language. Through mesmerizing illustrations the author poetically draws out the words they learn and how with each word their friendship grows stronger. Touching and resonates with today's changing landscape. A celebration of diversity.

I loved this book! A wonderful story of friendship and understanding, culture, language and the power of words.

When a new student, Saida, arrives one day our main character wants to connect with her but can’t seem to as Saida doesn’t have any words. Her father explains that Saida does have words they are just different than those of our main character. What follows is a lovely friendship blossoming, connecting over sharing their respective words and language with each other.

The message of the book is the beautifully told, illustrated and so important. I adored the illustrations and the use of the written Arabic words (with English text accompanying) throughout the book, so beautifully woven into the illustrations in different styles, sizes and colours.

I wouldn’t use this as a read aloud for younger children as I think it may be too complex for many younger readers, but would certainly have it in my preschool classroom for readers to choose. For older children, I think this would be a great learning tool and one I would see myself absolutely implementing for a variety of lessons.

This absolutely gorgeous lyrical book will sweep you up and hold you tight as you imagine a world where more people take the time to get to know one another through the power and beauty of language.  Over 32 pages that are exquisitely and whimsically illustrated the words dance and come to life in English and Arabic as a friendship is formed.  Perfect for preschool through 3rd graders, older children and adults alike will be softened by the kindness and example shown between two little girls.

Told from the perspective of a little girl that meets a new girl in school named Saida and decides right away that they are going to be friends.  Unfortunately Saida speaks only Arabic, and the little girl only English. 

But it is no problem, because the little girl is going to help Saida find her words.  She is going to look everywhere to let her get rid of her tears and throw away her silence.  So that she doesn't see questions and sadness locked up in her.

That night at home, the little girl's parents tell her about Morocco and find it on the globe.  They explain that Saida's words don't work here and that her words wouldn't work in Morocco,

Undeterred the two girls start teaching each other words in their languages.  Some stick, some float away, but the two learn and communicate and connect. They find friendship in learning each other's words.

They recite a poem by Jacqueline Woodson and tells stories about Marrakesh. The two girls plan to travel the world together. The book concludes with both alphabets shared and the reader wishing to join the little girls on their adventures.

I was blown away by the presentation of the book and the feeling of compassion and cultural appreciation depicted.  Such a beautiful approach to welcoming someone different in to your life.

I highly recommend this book.