Il treno (الْقِطَار)

This is a poetic and visually arresting journey that captures the magic and nostalgia of travel. Through a series of whimsical and surreal illustrations, the story follows a train as it moves through various landscapes, meeting different people and creatures along the way. The narrative is less about a linear plot and more about the experience of the journey, reflecting on the connections made and the scenery that shifts outside the window.

In this bilingual edition, the text serves as a rhythmic companion to the artwork. The use of Italian alongside Arabic allows children to explore the musicality of both languages. The book is celebrated for its ability to turn a simple train ride into a dreamlike exploration of memory, heritage, and the shared human experience of moving from one place to another.

Target Age: 4+ years

Author: Salah L-mur (صَلَاحُ الْمُرّ)

He is a distinguished Sudanese painter, illustrator, and filmmaker currently based in Cairo. His work is world-renowned for its unique "figurative abstract" style, which draws heavily from the visual culture of Sudan, traditional African motifs, and the vintage studio photography of his childhood. He has a rare ability to blend the sophisticated eye of a contemporary fine artist with the playful, wonder-filled perspective required for children’s storytelling.

Beyond his paintings, which are held in major international museums, he has authored and illustrated numerous children's books that have been translated into multiple languages. His stories often focus on themes of community, nature, and the everyday beauty of Sudanese life. His contribution to children’s literature is marked by a refusal to "dumb down" art for kids, instead offering them complex, soulful, and culturally rich illustrations.