Jude struggles with a speech problem in kindergarten, and when her classmate Samir teases her, it deeply hurts her feelings. Overtime, Jude’s confidence grows, and with the unexpected help of her baby brother Zaid, she gradually overcomes her challenge. This heartwarming story shows how ridicule can hurt as much as physical pain, and that with patience, we can overcome our struggles.

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Jude’s New Bicycle
When Jude finally gets her dream bicycle for her birthday, she faces the challenge of riding it without training wheels. Her friend Sami teases her, claiming that girls don’t know how to ride bikes, but Jude is determined to prove him wrong. This story highlights the joy of learning new skills.

My Brother Zaid
In this heartwarming story, Jude candidly shares the frustrations and annoyances of having a younger sibling, but in the end, her love and affection for her young brother Zaid shine through. A perfect story for young readers that highlights the ups and downs of sibling relationships.

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When Jude falls from a tree and breaks her leg, her journey to recovery begins. This engaging story takes young readers through Jude's experience at the hospital, explaining the process of getting a cast and exploring her feelings throughout. The story reassures children about hospital visits and highlights the power of resilience.

Parent and Teacher Guide

Many children have a handicap, which makes them “different”. They may have to endure ridicule from other kids. In “I Can” Jude has to deal with a speech impediment. When kids make fun of her, she reacts with anger and violence. The teacher helps to diffuse the situation by explaining that ridiculing someone can be just as hurtful as hitting them. Jude is given the acceptance she seeks and the time to overcome her impediment at her own pace. She realizes that she is no longer lisping while interacting with her baby brother Zaid. It is also an indirect allusion that baby brothers can be useful.

Questions for Discussion:

• Have you ever faced a difficulty of any sort? How did you feel? Were you able to overcome it?
• What was the first word you said as a small child? Did you have difficulty pronouncing certain letters?
• Have you ever overcome something difficult that you thought you couldn’t do? How did that make you feel?
• How can we help a friend when they have a difficulty?
• Have you ever been teased before? How did you feel?

About the Author

Taghreed Najjar was awarded the 2021 Jordanian State Award for Children's Literature. She has been a several-time nominee for the Astrid Lindgren award and a several-time winner and short-listee of the Etisalat Prize for Arabic Children’s Literature. Her YA novel 'Whose Doll is This?' won the YA book of the year (2019). With a portfolio spanning 4 decades, Taghreed – a multifaceted author - writes picture books, middle grade, and young adult books. Her picture books have become classics that are read and enjoyed by generations, while her YA novels have found great success in addressing difficult subjects reflecting political and cultural realities in the region. Several of Najjar’s books have been recommended by “White Ravens” and several have been translated into languages including English, Italian, Swedish, Danish, French, and Turkish.

About the Illustrator

Lujaina Al-Assil studied Visual Communication and Interior Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University. She worked in the field of illustration since 1969 and supervised art production in several children's magazines in Syria and other Arab countries. Since 2001, she has been the artistic advisor of children's books at the Syrian Ministry of Culture and has hosted six individual painting exhibitions in Syria, Jordan, France, and Italy. In addition to her art exhibitions, Lujaina took part in and contributed to regional and international book fairs around the world and presented several lectures and supervised many workshops in the field of children's book illustrations in Italy, Kuwait, Sharjah, Lebanon, Tunis, and Syria. Lujaina Al-Assil passed away on February 29, 2024, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.