Habiba is a girl in Afghanistan bringing us through a day in her life. The reader gets a glimpse into the everyday chores of the culture as well as the conditions caused by the climate of war. Habiba's cousins and aunt and uncle are to join them, seeking refuge because they lost their house due to war. Habiba ponders if so many can live in their small house, but she comes to the conclusion that they are all strong and they will make it work.

This is a beautiful window into the culture of the people in Afghanistan. The cut out images that work to create the illustrations really help to paint a picture of what a day in this lifestyle might really feel like.

I See the Sun in Afghanistan
By Dedie King, Illustrations by Judith Inglese
2011, Satya House Publications
Review by Debra L Scott, 12/14/2011

A young girl, Habiba, walks through her day in a small village in Afghanistan. There is no war or conflict here, just normal life. Habiba does her chores, goes to school, and runs errands like children all over the world. This area is relatively isolated from the problems Afghanistan has faced elsewhere, and a bit more liberal minded, so the young reader will find some common ground here. The first person narrative writing has some very lovely moments like the passage below.

“The cool air tingles my face and bare arms as I step outside. I see the milky glow of dawn over the compound wall. I hear the lambs softly bleating their mothers awake. The doves coo in answer. The early morning sounds fill me with fresh hope for the day. “

The book is written bilingually, in English and in Dari (Afghan Farsi), so could be read by speakers of either language. Even for English only speakers, the beautiful farsi script is interesting to look at. Children who love hearing about other cultures will find the book delightful, and perhaps those of Afghani descent will enjoy a book that shows their children what life was like for them or their ancestors from this region. At the end of the book is a glossary of terms that would be unfamiliar to most American children. There is also a very interesting section that tells about the region of Bamiyan, and why it is an area that allows girls to attend school, and why it has stayed relatively uninvolved with the war. ( )