Songs in the Shade of the Olive Tree
From Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and France, Book 1
Age range 3 to 7
Presented in Arabic, Berber and French, this collection of lullabies and nursery rhymes from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia draws children into a musical journey across North Africa, from the Sahara Desert through the Atlas Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea.
In 15 songs about everyday life, children learn of the importance of rain, the communal aspects of meals, and the consequences of inappropriate behaviour. This uplifting, enchanting collection features traditional songs performed by women, men and children, and recorded with indigenous acoustic instruments. Capturing the meeting of ancient and modern styles, it's an absolute delight to musical ears. Lyrics are provided in Arabic and translated into English, followed by notes on each song's origin and cultural context.
The book includes a QR code to access the songs online.
Nathalie Novi was born in the Lorraine region but grew up in Algeria before returning to France to study at l'École des Beaux Arts in both Nancy and Paris. She has illustrated over 50 children's books for several highly-regarded publishing houses including Nathan, Didier Jeunesse and Thierry Magny.
Hafida Favret is a singer from Algeria who now practices international law in France.
Paul Mindy is a percussionist, a singer, a composer, and an arranger who received the Georges Brassens Prize in recognition of his Brazilian music. He has accompanied noted musicians such as Richard Galliano, Carlo Rizzo, and Baden Powell.
Magdeleine Lerasle specialises in teaching language to children and has worked in several countries, such as Morocco, Brazil et Argentina, as an early childhood educator and researcher.
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