This is a hard review to write. I have been trying to get this book in my hands since it was published and just could not. I’d ask people to bring it from Pakistan, or try and order it on Amazon to find it out of stock. And then finally I was fortunate that my cousin was able to purchase it for me, get it to my dad who was visiting Karachi, my dad then mailed it to me within the U.S. and voila a book that sells online for $15 (and is currently in stock) in my hand for RS 475 (less than $3), I mention this because if I had paid $15 for a 7×7 inch book that has only 16 pages, I’d be grumpy. Having paid less than $3 (plus shipping) and involved multiple family members in the process, if I’m honest, I’m still a little disappointed with.
The book is beautifully illustrated, the author is the illustrator so why not make the book larger, so the illustrations could be appreciated? The book is really short and very vague, even the note at the end could provide so much more about this national hero, his accomplishments, his struggles, his goals, his legacy. And I’m not sure why it doesn’t.
The book is framed with kids presenting superheroes in class: Superman, Hulk, Spiderman, etc., two kids wearing grey shirts and white pants start their presentation about Edhi.
In rhyming lines the kids talk about how Edhi’s mother would give to the needy and how he continued this giving whatever he could spare from a young age. How giving everyday made his heart grow big. He gave to everyone and didn’t discriminate based on skin. It mentions that he started an ambulance service and we should follow his plan of helping and donating.
The note at the end talks about how to donate and how superheroes have big hearts and share not just with people they like, but even people they don’t like. The author then says that she donates money and skill.
The writing is clear enough for the sparse words on the page. I don’t want to critique a Pakistani writing rhymes in British English, because I speak one language, and clearly realize the beauty in being able to speak and write and convey in more than one language, but it is a bit awkward in parts.
The idea of the book is beautiful. Edhi was a humanitarian that needs recognition both within Pakistan and abroad. But, I really wish this book had a bit more substance to it. I think it can get a conversation going with little kids, but older kids will find it very generic, and unless a nearby adult can add to the story, it sadly won’t be remembered.
A portion of the book goes to support edhi.org, but it doesn’t specify how much.
(size reference):
Islamic School Librarian 