February’s Book of the Month: Celebrating Bilingualism for Kids

At LiLi Community, we believe in the power of stories to connect children with their roots, cultures, and native languages. For this reason, our Book of the Month, “Avicenna” by the Lebanese author Fatima Sharafeddine, holds a special place in our hearts. This bilingual edition, presented in both Italian and Arabic, is not only a biography of the famous Persian polymath, but also a vital tool for maintaining a strong connection to language and culture.

Why Do Bilingual Books Matter?

For many Arabic-speaking parents in Italy, finding resources to help their children stay connected to their mother tongue and cultural heritage can be a challenge. Bilingual books offer children an opportunity to develop fluency in both languages, embrace their cultural identity, and build a strong sense of belonging.

Avicenna: His Legacy from the Middle East to Europe

Fatima Sharafeddine’s “Avicenna” is a perfect example of such a resource. It introduces young readers to the incredible life and work of Ibn Sina (known in the West as Avicenna), a Persian polymath who was one of the most influential thinkers, physicians, and astronomers of the Islamic Golden Age.

Avicenna’s contributions to medicine, philosophy, and science were so profound that they traveled far beyond the Middle East. His magnum opus, “The Canon of Medicine”, served as a standard medical textbook in Europe for over 600 years. Thus, this book that highlights his legacy in a bilingual format educates children about a pivotal historical figure.

Ready to Explore More? 

Dive into our curated collection of bilingual books for kids that celebrate heritage and language.