Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers, written by Lina AlHathloul and Uma Mishra-Newbery

Releasing March, 1 2022. Go pre-order your copy now🔥🔥 Can be purchased via Penguin Random House's website!

Thank you @astrakidsbooks for sending me an ARC copy of this beautiful children's book!

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"𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴," 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥, "𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴?"

"Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers" is set in Saudia Arabia and follows Loujain, a little girl who desperately wants to spread her wings and fly. Just like her beloved baba. Unfortunately, only boys are allowed to fly in Loujain's country. Girls are forbidden to do the same.

But it doesn't stop Loujain from dreaming about flying far away. She one day hopes to see the field of beautiful sunflowers her baba has told her about.

Loujain becomes determined to learn how to fly. With the loving help of her baba, she learns her dreams are possible. It just takes a little courage. She even inspires other girls to spread their wings!

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This poetic story is based on real-life activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Loujain AlHathloul. She is one of the leaders of the Saudi Women's Rights Movements. She was arrested multiple times (between 2013 -2018) for protesting the ban on female drivers in Saudi Arabia. She spent over over two years in prison for bravely standing up for women's rights.

I am sincerely in awe of Loujain. She's an amazing icon! Little girls everywhere will only benefit from reading her story.

Loujain's story is one of the best children's books I've read in a long time. It is both moving and has the power to inspire courage within one's heart. Also, the illustrations in this book are just lovely. They really complement the story's lyrical prose.

I feel so lucky that I got to read this little gem.

I can’t even tell you how much I loved this book! What an inspiring story! Plus the illustrations are stunning.

Lou Jain wants to fly like her baba…but girls aren’t allowed to fly. She longs to see the field of sunflowers her baba speaks of. She desperately begs and finally her baba teaches her to fly. She sees the sunflower field. However, the next morning there are people in the streets pointing at her and whispering. A large sign was put up how a young girl defied the flying law. Even so, other girls were inspired to learn to fly.

The symbolism in the story is absolutely beautiful. This story is based on the author’s sister, who spoke out for women’s right to drive cars. She is one of the leaders of the Saudi Women’s Rights Movement. She has been arrested 4 times for speaking out and was isolated from her family while in prison and labeled a terrorist.

It’s amazing to me how such historic global events almost rarely get media attention. Also, some situations like this really makes you feel lucky to be where you are and have the rights that you do. It’s hard to believe that women’s rights in other counties is *still* an issue.

I will most definitely be purchasing a copy of this book for my classroom library. After all, they are the world’s future leaders.

Thank you @netgalley for an ARC e-reader of this book.
Review posted on my Instagram @lizzies_little_library_

"Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers" it's a beautiful book that tells the story of a girl who wanted to fly, even if boys were the only ones allowed to, When i started reading it I immediately fell in love with the illustrations. The story is written so well and gives such a powerful message that when you read what and who inspired this book, you end up with a much bigger message that makes you realize what is happening in the world and how we can start changing what's not okay. The illustrations in this book are so pretty, magical and colorful ,they made me feel so happy just by looking at them. Thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I definitely recommend this book!

I had never heard of Loujain, a key activist in the Saudi Women's Right Movement. This is a beautiful book written in her honor, celebrating dreams and color and power. With its gorgeous illustrations and lovely message, this is a great read for any little ones in your life.

Really lovely illustrations with lots of movement and interest points. The metaphor of not being able to fly versus the real life inspiration of driving is compelling and leaves ambiguity to acknowledge other types of injustices/inequalities. I would recommend this to many people and have read it to my own daughter.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers is a visually and emotionally rich entry for children into the concept of gender equity. The emotional core of Loujain's desire to fly and her connection with her family is captured well both through the prose and the illustration. Perfect fit for storytime with pre-schoolers - 2nd graders with opportunity to open up discussions with older kids about the real woman behind the story.

Inspired by a real-life issue, this book offers a new perspective on freedom, gender equality, and imagination. The book was written by the sister of Loujain Alhathloul, a Saudi women's rights activist. The story revolves around a young girl who would like to fly to the sunflower fields, but because she is a girl, she is not allowed. The book's illustrations and story are beautiful and one-of-a-kind. I would recommend that all parents and K-4 teachers consider adding this to their children's libraries as it's an empowering story.

This wonderful fantasy story about a little girl who wants to fly, seems to fit squarely in fairy tale category. Every day, her father puts on her wings and flies above the sunflowers. When he returns, he tells his daughter Loujain about the beautiful sights he has seen and the fact that the sunflowers are best viewed from the sky. Loujain is allowed to dress up in a pair of wings, but isn't allowed to fly. The reason given, which makes no sense to the reader, is that she is a girl. However her father gives her a small crumb of hope and tells her that she cannot fly yet, but perhaps some day.

When she tells friends at school, they laugh and tell her it is impossible, because she is a girl. As a reader, I found myself puzzled for this mysterious rule, and curious if flying was a metaphor for something else? There was no background explanation for how seemingly normal people could put on wings and fly, nor a reason given for why only men could.

At the end of the book, the author's note puts a very somber spin on this story. The real Loujain has been arrested in Saudi Arabia for the transgression of driving a car while being female. Women are forbidden from many activities, especially without a chaperone. Loujain, having attended college and lived abroad, was unwilling to let these unjust laws stand. She has been punished as a terrorist and traitor. When we see this story as a fable or an allegory for women having equal rights, suddenly the tale becomes very thought-provoking and inspiring. I hope this inspires all children to question authority and stand up for what is right. I highly recommend this lovely book.

Loujain watches as her Baba puts on his wings every morning to fly across lands filled with wonder that are out of her reach. She knows that in life, in her community, girls are not granted the liberty of flight but in her greatest dreams, Loujain finds her way to the field of sunflowers that beckon her throughout the day.

The author's note explains that this story was written about a real-life Loujain, the sister of the author, who was imprisoned for her stance on women's rights in Saudi Arabia; specifically seeking to grant women the right to drive. I do not think it is far-fetched to appreciate the magic that Al-Hathloul sought to conjure in writing a story about a sister whom she admired, through the character of a little girl who sought to glide through life without the constraints imposed on her by invisible beings. Very unfortunately, for the adult people in this story, those imposing constraints & rules are not reinforced by the invisible, so too were they no longer for the real Loujain who put her own freedom on the line in hopes that all others might feel seen themselves.

I found this story absolutely beautiful. The illustrations themselves are phenomenal & enthralling; every stroke an absolute masterpiece. Placed as a backdrop to the text, this story presented itself as being a tale for the ages. I can very much appreciate that Al-Hathloul sought to write from what is familiar to her; her community, the situation surrounding her sister. However, this story can easily be read to children from across the globe. The desire to fly is a well-known fantasy amongst children therefore reading about another child whose community does have wings that they can use to fly would strike a cord in the hearts of many of the children who root for Loujain to have what the constraints of our current reality do not permit.

To fly in hopes of seeing the wonder of life; to fly for freedom & peace of mind; to fly across & through the beauty of the earth, I think beautifully encapsulated everything that was important in this story. It is always important to ensure that children grow to know that they can never dream a dream 'too' big, that all their desires of finding their patch of sunflowers are valid & to give them hope of being able to succeed in their goals.

Though this story takes place in a community which might differ from your own, it encourages dialogue of seeking the familiar & sustains discussions around multiculturalism as a whole, rather than ostracizing people for their differences. Therefore, I would encourage this book to be read, I would encourage the situation behind the story to be researched & for the entirety of the labour behind this story to be used as a reflection when gazing at our own society. Though many of us have heard of Icarus, we might also now hold dear the story of Loujain & her success across the expanse which is the sky.

Thank you to NetGalley, Astra Publishing House & Lina Al-Hathloul for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

#LoujainDreamsOfSunflowers #NetGalley

The illustrations in this book are so vivid and magical; I have no doubt it will appeal to so many readers based on the pictures alone! The numerous perspectives of the art is so unique, and moves the story along quite dynamically. I enjoyed the familial portrayals and the storyline of the strong female protagonist. It's a book that will easily open up dialogue about Saudi women's rights. Highly recommend, and cannot wait to have this in our library!

The illustrations and character designs in this are beautiful. I love the relationship between Loujain and her father. I think that this book definitely can provide an easy introduction to women's rights and equality for young children. This is something I could see reading to my preschool class and giving an opportunity for ages 3-6 year olds to easily visualize and discuss why everyone should get a chance to do something like "fly" (drive). I think the further you go up in age, the less the metaphor equating flying and driving works though. I would love to see a 7-10 year old book sharing the real life story this is based on and get into more detail about the characters and the family.

An illuminating read about believing in your dreams as well as defying societal expectations and gender norms expectations to make them come true.

I love that this book was inspired by women's rights activist Loujain Alhathloul. It has definitely encouraged me to find out more about her and her life.

The illustrations and imagery are beautiful. Kids will enjoy and be inspired by this book.

This book is inspirational and wonderfully written. Loujain is a feisty determined little girl who believes she can accomplish anything but being a girl in her country puts limitations on her dreams. She proclaims that ever little girls should have the opportunity to aim for the moon and fly to the sunflowers. She focuses on her goals and determines that nothing is going to deter her from making them happen.

This book will encourage girls ( both young and old worldwide ), to never give up, to set the bar high, and to keep their eyes fixed on the prize.... successfully achieving their dreams. It is about dreaming big, being brave, and overcoming fears and challenges they will face along the way.

The book is based upon the life and experiences of co-author Lina AlHathloul's sister, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Loujain AlHathloul, who championed the campaign to dissolve the ban in Saudi Arabia where women were not allowed to drive. The illustrations are beautiful and the heartfelt story is timeless. I highly recommend this book.

I confess that I took this adorable and poignant book at face value when I first read it, thinking it was a generic metaphor for achieving your dreams. After reading the author's note, I became quite emotional. Such simple and basic things that we take for granted in my country are such a struggle for women in other countries. To be considered a traitor for driving a car or speaking out against the government, and to face such harsh punishments for those things, is truly a wake-up call for feminism the world over. I'm so glad this book is bringing these things to light and giving the author a voice to young girls the world over. She's right. You might not fly today, but you will definitely fly at some point.

LOUJAIN DREAMS OF SUNFLOWERS is about a girl who dreams to fly despite living in a place where girls are not allowed to. This book is about striving for one's dreams, seeing beyond the limits society sets up for you, with the help and support of her parents. This is a beautiful book that features a loving father-daughter relationship. The art in the book is vibrant with color and details, especially the closer it gets to the end.

This book was beautifully written. It made it all the more endearing when you read the back of the book and understand what the inspiration behind the story is.
Loujain is a spunky little girl who refuses to let people tell her she can’t do something just because she’s a girl! After all, why should little girls not shoot for the moon or fly to the sunflowers? What’s stopping them? Well, for Loujian, nothing is going to stop her. She’s going to fly and see the sunflowers!
Little girls (and moms too) all over the world can take something from this story. Nothing can stop you if you’re determined enough to make your dreams come true. Fly to the sunflowers, ladies!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
2 Stars for me

I wanted to love this book because Loujain AlHathloul's story is inspiring. Unfortunately, the symbolism between flying and driving just did not work for me. I would have much preferred her actual story in a picture book. I just do not believe the message will come across to my students as intended. The message of a girl dreaming of flying and all of the boys being allowed to fly will come off more as fantasy and that would work in most picture books, but not one where a woman really fought for girls to be able to drive in Saudi Arabia.

Taking this ingeniously beautiful Loujain and sunflowers story at face value is a sweet, endearing girl child fulfilling her dreams, and who even sparks and inspires others into fulfilling theirs. However, to know and understand the background to this story, lends potential for teaching ones own child about justice and how to work towards greater human rights for women that could spill over to any other legitimate cause. Also that such activists can and do suffer for doing what's right but still have fortitude to persevere towards their purpose and goal.

This story is accompanied by great, colorful illustrations which wonderfully compliment the storyline. Additionally, there is a section on the book itself which gives the backstory. Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers gets my full five stars, although I wish I could give it a million more.

~Eunice C. Reviewer/Blogger~

December 2021

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

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Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers draws from the experiences of activist Loujain AlHathloul, who lead fight against Saudi Arabia’s ban for women to drive. This book chronicles a young girl fighting to learn how to fly. No women learn how to fly and young Loujain wants to learn why. With the help of Baba, Loujain is able to achieve a once seamingly far-fetched goal of flying.

I really loved the illustrations and the color scheme. I also loved the font choice and the story overall. I selfishly wanted the story to be longer, but I appreciated how the story was told. Often times, I think narratives around international women's rights are clouded by notions of white saviorism and western feminism superiority. I also want to mention that one of the co-authors of this book is the activist Loujain AlHathloul’s sister. While this book does not necessarily explicitly mention the concepts of feminism or gender equality in the plot, I recommend this book for young readers as an introduction to those conversations.