Description

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This lyrical, whimsical picture book, set in the old city of Istanbul, celebrates kindness and generosity of spirit.

Follow one little girl on her busy day through the old city of Istanbul--from the Galata bridge to the Grand Bazaar--as the city opens its arms to her. All along the way, the generous people she meets share many gifts with her: sesame rounds, hot tea, a boat ride, rose candy, pomegranate juice, even a scrub in a Turkish bath! But she doesn't just keep the gifts for herself. At every turn, she finds a way to share what has been given to her and pass it on so others can enjoy it too.

With poetic text and radiant artwork, author Anna Pellicioli and Turkish illustrator Merve Atilgan bring us this heartwarming tale of kindness and generosity in the city known as the crossroads of the world.

About the Author

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Anna Pellicioli was born in Italy, the third of five children. She has lived in eight different countries, including Turkey, and is still moving around with her husband, sons, daughter, and dog. She loves mornings, snow, and wild places. Song of the Old City is her debut picture book.

Merve Atilgan is a Turkish illustrator and artist, living and working in Istanbul. She has worked in animation and post-production studios as an illustrator and art director, but she's a free spirit, so she decided to be a freelance illustrator. She has illustrated a number of kids' books in several countries and gives workshops for children at art museums. Follow her on Instagram @mervmee.

Praise For…

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"Poetic, almost songlike . . . Bursting with life." --Kirkus Reviews

"The text has a calming bedtime-story flavor . . . Atilgan’s digital art accentuates the peaceful tone, displaying scenes of comfort and bliss . . . The pay-it-forward message is sweet and well implemented." --BCCB

"Warm and breezy . . . Instills a sense of hospitality and possibility." --School Library Journal

"Lulls like a dream . . . [A] hymn to a city and its experiential offerings." --Publishers Weekly