Nour's Secret Library by Wafa' Tarnowska and Vali Mintzi
Non Wels
Written by Wafa’ Tarnowska
Illustrated by Vali Mintzi
Published by Barefoot Books (2022)
2024-2025 Nominee - Picture Books for Older Readers
Synopsis
Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. Based on the author’s own life experience and inspired by a true story, Nour’s Secret Library is about the power of books to heal, transport and create safe spaces during difficult times. Illustrations by Romanian artist Vali Mintzi superimpose the colorful world the children construct over black-and-white charcoal depictions of the battered city.