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The Day of Ahmed's Secret
The Day of Ahmed's Secret
As young Ahmed delivers butane gas to customers all over the city of Cairo, he thinks, I have a secret. All day long, as he maneuvers his donkey cart through streets crowded with cars and camels, down alleys filled with merchants' stalls, and past buildings a thousand years old, Ahmed keeps his secret safe inside. It is so special, so wonderful, that he can reveal it only to his family, only when he returns home, only at the end of the day.
As young Ahmed delivers butane gas to customers all over the city of Cairo, he thinks, I have a secret. All day long, as he maneuvers his donkey cart through streets crowded with cars and camels, down alleys filled with merchants' stalls, and past buildings a thousand years old, Ahmed keeps his secret safe inside. It is so special, so wonderful, that he can reveal it only to his family, only when he returns home, only at the end of the day.
32 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 1990
About the author
Florence Parry Heide
112 books36 followers"What do I like about writing for children? Everything," says Florence Parry Heide, the award-winning author of more than sixty children’s books, including the classic THE SHRINKING OF TREEHORN, illustrated by Edward Gorey. "I like the connection with children," the author says. "I like the connection with all kinds of book people. And I like the connection with my childhood self, which is the most of me. It is the most welcome and familiar of worlds. There miracles abound--indeed it is magical that something I might think of can be put into words, stories, ideas, and that those words end up in the heads of readers I will never meet."
Florence Parry Heide wrote SOME THINGS ARE SCARY, a humorous look at childhood bugaboos, more than thirty years ago. "I had finished another book and was in the mood to write something else," she says. "I decided to get some kindling from the garage, reached into the kindling box and--good grief!--grabbed something soft and mushy. I fled back to the house, scared to death." A brave return visit to the kindling box revealed the object of terror to be nothing more than a discarded wet sponge, but the thought remained: some things are scary. As she recalls, "What scared me as a child was that I’d never learn how to be a real grownup--and the fact is, I never did find out how it goes."
One thing Florence Parry Heide does have a good handle on is the concept of friendship, in all its humorous manifestations. THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR, a tongue-in-cheek tale cowritten with Sylvia Van Clief in 1967, pokes at the tendency of well-meaning friends to offer advice instead of help, and presents a valuable lesson about what true friendship means. "One of my many (true) sayings is ‘A new friend is around the corner of every single day,’ " the author declares. "Also true: Friendships last. And last."
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh during World War II. After the war, she and her husband moved to Wisconsin, where they raised five children, two of whom have cowritten critically acclaimed books with their mother. Florence Parry Heide now lives in Wisconsin.
Florence Parry Heide wrote SOME THINGS ARE SCARY, a humorous look at childhood bugaboos, more than thirty years ago. "I had finished another book and was in the mood to write something else," she says. "I decided to get some kindling from the garage, reached into the kindling box and--good grief!--grabbed something soft and mushy. I fled back to the house, scared to death." A brave return visit to the kindling box revealed the object of terror to be nothing more than a discarded wet sponge, but the thought remained: some things are scary. As she recalls, "What scared me as a child was that I’d never learn how to be a real grownup--and the fact is, I never did find out how it goes."
One thing Florence Parry Heide does have a good handle on is the concept of friendship, in all its humorous manifestations. THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR, a tongue-in-cheek tale cowritten with Sylvia Van Clief in 1967, pokes at the tendency of well-meaning friends to offer advice instead of help, and presents a valuable lesson about what true friendship means. "One of my many (true) sayings is ‘A new friend is around the corner of every single day,’ " the author declares. "Also true: Friendships last. And last."
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh during World War II. After the war, she and her husband moved to Wisconsin, where they raised five children, two of whom have cowritten critically acclaimed books with their mother. Florence Parry Heide now lives in Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 7, 2017
This book portrays a day in the life of Ahmed which addresses aspects such as his community, culture and the struggles he endures to provide for his family.
The detailed illustrations show the busy life in Cairo and the manual labour the men, women and children are doing. The use of realistic watercolours portray the busy atmosphere and would allow children to understand that in other parts of the world, children lead different lives. Each illustration is carefully depicted which enables the reader to follow Ahmed's intense daily journey. The reader is able to experience Ahmed's day with him as the pictures extend to the end of each page, enabling the reader to travel along with him. This enables the reader to acknowledge and engage with 'circumstances that differ from their own' (Lysaker and Sedberry, 2015, p.105). Adults can use books such as these to help children consider other cultures and to encourage them to think about other perspectives. Lysaker and Sedberry (2015) argue texts which derive opportunities to question social differences are important to move beyond the surface of a text.
Ahmed's secret keeps the reader engaged and creates a sense of curiosity as they progress through the book waiting to find out the secret. When the secret is disclosed, it was captivating to see the value Ahmed placed on education and how pleased he was of himself. This highlights the different experiences children encounter in the middle-east compared to western culture.
The detailed illustrations show the busy life in Cairo and the manual labour the men, women and children are doing. The use of realistic watercolours portray the busy atmosphere and would allow children to understand that in other parts of the world, children lead different lives. Each illustration is carefully depicted which enables the reader to follow Ahmed's intense daily journey. The reader is able to experience Ahmed's day with him as the pictures extend to the end of each page, enabling the reader to travel along with him. This enables the reader to acknowledge and engage with 'circumstances that differ from their own' (Lysaker and Sedberry, 2015, p.105). Adults can use books such as these to help children consider other cultures and to encourage them to think about other perspectives. Lysaker and Sedberry (2015) argue texts which derive opportunities to question social differences are important to move beyond the surface of a text.
Ahmed's secret keeps the reader engaged and creates a sense of curiosity as they progress through the book waiting to find out the secret. When the secret is disclosed, it was captivating to see the value Ahmed placed on education and how pleased he was of himself. This highlights the different experiences children encounter in the middle-east compared to western culture.
March 13, 2011
Ahmed is a young boy who rides his donkey cart through the streets and alleys of Cairo Egypt. He is helping his family earn money by delivering cooking fuel to people. This is a hard job and his father can no longer lift the heavy containers. As Ahmed travels the city, he is carrying a secret that is "like a friend to me."
Ahmed's secret is not revealed until the end of the book. The reader follows Ahmed through the noisy streets of Cairo anticipating what his secret might be. The book paints a wonderful picture of modern day Cairo with beautiful illustrations that show camels and automobiles side by side on the streets. Ahmed rides his donkey cart through the crowded marketplace, bustling with activity.
A great book for young readers, "The Day of Ahmed's Secret" shows an authentic look at what life is like in Cairo. It is a great introduction to Middle Eastern culture.
Ahmed's secret is not revealed until the end of the book. The reader follows Ahmed through the noisy streets of Cairo anticipating what his secret might be. The book paints a wonderful picture of modern day Cairo with beautiful illustrations that show camels and automobiles side by side on the streets. Ahmed rides his donkey cart through the crowded marketplace, bustling with activity.
A great book for young readers, "The Day of Ahmed's Secret" shows an authentic look at what life is like in Cairo. It is a great introduction to Middle Eastern culture.
May 5, 2016
a lovely tale for when you might be studying Egypt (which is what my first graders are doing), human rights, empathy and other social related issues. Great illustrations and great story.
January 4, 2016
A gentle, touching story against a backdrop that must be rather exotic for most english speaking readers. Ted Lewin's illustrations, which we already knew from the equally stunning Puffling Patrol are truly remarkable, and worth picking this book up in itself.
March 11, 2020
Love this book for our justice and diversity unit. I had two kids who could see themselves in this book and read the writing - they were so excited. Five stars for this one.
January 21, 2018
Beautiful watercolor paintings help tell the story visually.
October 16, 2022
This books ending really requires kids to think about how different the culture is in another part of the world.
May 29, 2024
This book gives a vivid description of the sights and sounds of Cairo as Ahmed delivers fuel to his customers. Ahmed's secret is revealed at the end of the book.
September 8, 2012
Day of Ahmed's Secret by Florence H. Parry, Judith Heide Gilliland, illustrated by Ted Lewin follows a young boy delivering butane gas to customers in his city, as he saves a special secret to share with his family in the evening.
Lewin's detailed watercolor illustrations show the hustle and bustle of Cairo, Egypt. One and two pages spreads focus on Ahmed, his customers and the city. My favorite images are crowded streets, sounds, Hassan's treat, old woman, caravan, rosewater man, and last three pictures.
This can be read aloud to younger children and read by older picturebook readers. Getting children to help make sounds in the story can help keep a large group engaged, while sharing with one or two will allow them to study the many details in the pictures. The illustrations definitely carry the book, though older readers will appreciate the thought and descriptions made by Ahmed and his father. I would have liked to hear what the family did all day while Ahmed worked, as one wonders about the division of labor within the family, and if all Ahmed's young friends have jobs too. An interesting look at a different culture and Ahmed's pride over a new, important accomplishment. 3.5 stars.
For ages 5 to 9, multi-cultural, inspiration, world-awareness, literacy, family, perseverance, and fans of Florence Parry Heide, Judith Heide Gilliland and Ted Lewin.
Lewin's detailed watercolor illustrations show the hustle and bustle of Cairo, Egypt. One and two pages spreads focus on Ahmed, his customers and the city. My favorite images are crowded streets, sounds, Hassan's treat, old woman, caravan, rosewater man, and last three pictures.
This can be read aloud to younger children and read by older picturebook readers. Getting children to help make sounds in the story can help keep a large group engaged, while sharing with one or two will allow them to study the many details in the pictures. The illustrations definitely carry the book, though older readers will appreciate the thought and descriptions made by Ahmed and his father. I would have liked to hear what the family did all day while Ahmed worked, as one wonders about the division of labor within the family, and if all Ahmed's young friends have jobs too. An interesting look at a different culture and Ahmed's pride over a new, important accomplishment. 3.5 stars.
For ages 5 to 9, multi-cultural, inspiration, world-awareness, literacy, family, perseverance, and fans of Florence Parry Heide, Judith Heide Gilliland and Ted Lewin.
October 26, 2011
This did not end at all as I had imagined. In fact, it took so long to get to Ahmed's actual secret that I almost forgot what the story was about. Although the illustrations were quite vibrant and lively, the text in this story did not quite measure up. I really enjoyed how many colors were used and how crowded each page looked, allowing the watercolors to bleed into one another and capture the entire scene. However, for such vivid and busy illustrations, I had expected equally intense and captivating text, which I did not get. While I appreciate the message that Ahmed values education and learning over all the other physical and manual skills he has acquired, I think this message could have been sent with a bit less text. I feel these illustrations would have been better used in a story that told more about the bustling city of Cairo, the injustice of child labor or the struggles of children and families from the middle east who are trying to make ends meet. While I can't say whether or not I would recommend this book as a whole, I would encourage anyone who appreciates watercolor illustrations to spend some time viewing the images in this story. I think I actually enjoyed this story more when viewing it as a collection of watercolors, rather than a children's book. In fact, the text is almost represented with less importance by placing it on the full bleed illustrations, which often times resulted in the text actually blending in, calling less attention to it and the importance it plays to the story.
April 8, 2012
I came across this book during my second placement and I find it a very stimulating resource for descriptive writing. The beautifully colourful and vivid pictures in the book can be used for creating descriptive word banks; you can also explore the pictures to make the children come up with similes and metaphors which they don’t use very often in their writing. Furthermore, it’s very easy to arrange a drama/ role-play activity based on the book as all you need to do is to gather some bowls and spices, get some of the children’s clothing and put appropriate music in the background to create a market scene. All children can participate as both buyers and market stall’s sellers as they can swap the roles easily after the time indicated by the teacher. Having acted out what Ahmed saw, felt, smelled and heard in the market you can easily get the children to write a descriptive piece of writing about a journey through the market from either Ahmed’s or the children’s point of view with a lot of enthusiasm!
March 24, 2016
I liked this much better than the other Parry picturebook in the list. This was a really well done story with a wonderful main character who is just a really great kid. The illustrations completely submerge the reader in the city Cairo (wish we'd know where we were a bit earlier, though), and the descriptions of the sounds of the city and the daily work of the little boy as well as his interactions with other people create a very full and clear image of the world he inhabits. The illustrations themselves are slightly chaotic at times, which is entirely appropriate. I also love that the boy's father tells him about the importance of quiet as well. And then, of course, there is the secret, which is both wonderful and a little sad at the same time since this kid should be in school somewhere. The book presents a positive portrayal of a family in Egypt while not backing away from the difficulties they have to face. It would be an excellent resource for a class.
May 18, 2017
This book is about a boy named Ahmed, who has a secret to tell his parents. But he has to finish delivering butane gas to all of his customers for the day before he can go home. As we wait eagerly for the revelation of Ahmed's secret, we get to see a typical working day of his life. Spending an entire day with him, we learn about him, his family members and other children who are also working to help their parents. The fluid prose and photo-realistic illustrations bring the story in life. It feels as if we are out in a tour around Cairo.
This book would help children compare and contrast their lives with that of the children living in certain parts of Egypt. It offers children a glimpse at an another child's life, his mind and his way of seeing the world.
Appropriate for ages 6-9.
This book would help children compare and contrast their lives with that of the children living in certain parts of Egypt. It offers children a glimpse at an another child's life, his mind and his way of seeing the world.
Appropriate for ages 6-9.
November 7, 2012
Such a lovely and sweet book.
The illustrations - paintings rather - are striking. They capture our eternal city beautifully through the colours, the details and the expressions of people's faces. It looks at Cairo through the eyes of a little boy. You don't see the struggle - only pride at working and helping his family; you don't hear noise - only sounds; you don't see chaos - only colours; and a long deep-rooted history that spans centuries.
A book I would strongly recommend to anyone who has children, whether they're Egyptian or not.
I stumbled upon this book in a tiny children's centre in East London. I haven't seen it at all in Egypt.
The illustrations - paintings rather - are striking. They capture our eternal city beautifully through the colours, the details and the expressions of people's faces. It looks at Cairo through the eyes of a little boy. You don't see the struggle - only pride at working and helping his family; you don't hear noise - only sounds; you don't see chaos - only colours; and a long deep-rooted history that spans centuries.
A book I would strongly recommend to anyone who has children, whether they're Egyptian or not.
I stumbled upon this book in a tiny children's centre in East London. I haven't seen it at all in Egypt.
April 4, 2013
"The Day of Ahmed's Secret" is a great story about a little boy named Ahmed. He lives in the city of Cairo and works as a butagaz boy. He takes the reader on a journey throughout his day, but he has a little secret to tell. He wants to tell his family the secret when he gets home. He explains the many ways that the city is a part of who he is. After he gets home, he shows his parents that he can write his name!(His secret).
As a teacher, I could use this book to teach about predicitons by using the wonderful illustrations. Also, I could use this book to teach about the importance of names and how important your name is. i could teach about understanding who we are and where we come from.
As a teacher, I could use this book to teach about predicitons by using the wonderful illustrations. Also, I could use this book to teach about the importance of names and how important your name is. i could teach about understanding who we are and where we come from.
December 19, 2013
This book is over 20 years old, before 9-11, published a bit after the Gulf War. The story shows a young boy, Ahmed, living and working in Cairo. He pulls a cart and delivers “Butagaz”, gas canisters used to heat stoves. I don’t know how accurate the book is to today, but the beautifully colorful and detailed illustrations show an interesting and showy city, although we only see people working with their carts, no cars. It will be a good book for children to see, perhaps read together in order to contrast the community with theirs. Ahmad works through the day, holding a special secret to tell at the end. You’ll need to read the book to discover his secret.
October 11, 2015
The Day of Ahmed's secret is a story about an Egyptian boy named Ahmed who delivers gasoline cylinders to people's homes throughout the city. He has took on this job so his father does not have to. Throughout the book Ahmed keeps talking about this secret that he cannot wait to share with his family, but only after he has finished his work for the day. The language in this book is so descriptive and I feel would be a great book to use for text talk. It uses a lot of personification and descriptive language, "The sand is a part of each day, like the noise, like the colors of the city, like the things my father has said"(Heide & Gilliland, 1990, p. 20).
October 19, 2016
I read this book as part of my degree and remember enjoying it back then. Now, I can see how well written it is. Not only does it give you a glimpse of life in Cairo but it is done intrinsically, the landscape; its people and culture and not handed to you on a platter but is there you for you peruse and glimpse and absorb. So often these books want to shove cultural signifiers down your throat and doing this explicitly can actually have an abrasive effect on the reading. Here, instead, we have a story about a little boy whose secret is an empowering insight into the privileged life that many children from different countries lead.
October 11, 2015
The Day of Ahmed's Secret by Florence Heide and Judith Gilliland, published 1990.
Genre: Fiction
Format Picture Book
Plot Summary: This story follows the daily life of a young boy as he makes his deliveries in Cairo and the places and people he interacts with along the way. It also discusses the pride he feels over the secret he carries and how excited he is to share it with his family.
Considerations: None.
Review Citation: Publisher's Weekly, August 1990.
Selection Source: Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature: A Brief Guide.
Recommended Age: Ages 6 & 7.
Genre: Fiction
Format Picture Book
Plot Summary: This story follows the daily life of a young boy as he makes his deliveries in Cairo and the places and people he interacts with along the way. It also discusses the pride he feels over the secret he carries and how excited he is to share it with his family.
Considerations: None.
Review Citation: Publisher's Weekly, August 1990.
Selection Source: Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature: A Brief Guide.
Recommended Age: Ages 6 & 7.
October 30, 2016
What a beautiful introduction to Cairo! I'll use this with the kids when they are about six-years-old and learning to read and write. Another plus: This portrays a boy who works and doesn't have time to play, which addresses one of my pet peeves. All too many kids think that time is theirs to fill, even resenting school and grumbling about visits to elderly family members. They'd have a fit if they had to spend the day working and then turn over their earning to their parents.
November 11, 2014
As you read through the book you get to see the life of this boy and what he gets to do everyday. It's so descriptive and even if there weren't any pictures, you would get to see the words in action. I also love the secret at the end. Every child loves to learn and they get really excited when they can do things by themselves. I really enjoyed reading this book.
February 10, 2015
This book is designed for young and old alike. Set in Cairo, Egypt the reader spends the day with young Ahmed as he completes his daily job of delivering gas containers within the city limits of Cairo. The metaphorical language and stunning illustrations help deliver the reader to the buckboard seat on the donkey cart that Ahmed drives.
March 5, 2015
I think as a whole we don't appreciate all we have, especially the opportunity we have as a society and people to make something of ourselves. This book reminds us of what we really have and that we shouldn't take for granted all that has been given us, especially our education. I will use tis with future students.
September 6, 2015
Ahmed has a secret--that he can write his name--but before we learn this, we watch as Ahmed goes about his daily job of collecting bottles (butagaz). We gain vibrant pictures (both through imagination and illustrations) of life in Cairo and wonder what is Ahmed's secret.
This book would be great to work on Questioning or Visualizing.
This book would be great to work on Questioning or Visualizing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2015
This is one of the best books ever written for the literacy activists...I had bought several copies a few years back.I found the last 3 accidently and I am over the moon over the reunion!!
May 5, 2017
This is a great book to teach about different cultures. This would be great to discuss with students how easy we have it here in America.
March 18, 2023
The Day of Ahmed's Secret by Florence H. Parry, Florence Parry Heide, Illustrator- Ted Lewin- Hindi language translation by Aravida Gupta- Children’d Illustrated Colour Picture Book- This book portrays a day in the life of Ahmed, young man from Egypt. Ahmed owns a cart in which carries butane gas cylinders to community members. Thus, he serves the members of his community. Ahmed is poor and has no opportunity to learn to read and write. Ahmed makes an effort and learns to write his name. This Ahmed’s secret. The book brings to light the importance of literacy for all children. The book pictures the culture and the struggles he endures to provide for his family. Illustrations show the busy life in Cairo and the manual labour the men, women and children are doing. The use of realistic water colours portrays the busy atmosphere and would allow children to understand that in other parts of the world, children lead different and difficult lives. Each illustration is carefully depicted which enables the reader to follow Ahmed's intense daily journey. The reader is able to experience Ahmed's day with him as the pictures extend to the end of each page, enabling the reader to travel along with him. This enables the reader to acknowledge and engage with circumstances that differ from their own. Ahmed's secret keeps the reader engaged and creates a sense of curiosity as they progress through the book waiting to find out the secret. When the secret is disclosed, it was captivating to see the value Ahmed placed on education and how pleased he was of himself. This highlights the different experiences children encounter in the middle east compared to western culture. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.
March 12, 2021
Ahmed is a young boy in Cairo who helps support his family by selling butane gas canisters which he carries around the city in a donkey cart and carries on his shoulder up flights of stairs. The canisters are heavy and he has just become old and strong enough to take this job over from his father, for reasons not told. But he enjoys the sights and sounds of the busy city and feels that he is part of its present and its history. The text is poetic and the water color art is vivid and wonderful. All day Ahmed thinks about the secret he will tell his family in the evening when his work is finished. The secret is that he has learned how to write his name, which fills him with pride. Philosophical issues that come up include the value of education, child labor, family responsibilities, and the relationship of one’s identity to one’s family and geographical place.
July 1, 2023
3.5 stars
Ahmed is a young boy in Cairo who helps support his family by delivering fuel throughout the city. Normally, he comes home and tells his family stories about his adventures and repeats stories others have told him. But tonight he intends to share a secret with his family, one he hopes will make them proud. To avoid spoilers, I will only say that this secret involves Ahmed learning an important skill. The 3.5 star rating is because there is nothing in the story that indicates how he acquired this skill, which is confusing. Seems like the author could have had him picking up this skill through the interactions he has with others while doing his job. And that would have been a much more compelling plot.
Ahmed is a young boy in Cairo who helps support his family by delivering fuel throughout the city. Normally, he comes home and tells his family stories about his adventures and repeats stories others have told him. But tonight he intends to share a secret with his family, one he hopes will make them proud. To avoid spoilers, I will only say that this secret involves Ahmed learning an important skill. The 3.5 star rating is because there is nothing in the story that indicates how he acquired this skill, which is confusing. Seems like the author could have had him picking up this skill through the interactions he has with others while doing his job. And that would have been a much more compelling plot.
October 5, 2023
I think this book is good for second grade students. The teacher that i was doing my observation hours for actually read this to her class so i got to see in real time how it engaged the students. Before she read it, she showed them the illustrations to get them excited about what they were going to read. They liked this and it prepared them for what the book was about. They also liked the idea of the secret and were listening until the very end to hear what the secret was. Then as a writing activity she had them write in their journals either a secret they would like to share, or something new they did because the "secret" in the book was that he learned to write his name, which was him learning something new.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews