Mama's Scent - by Sahar Naja Mahfouz (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A heartfelt picture book that explores the special bond between mother and child--with captivating illustration by Palestinian artist, Baraa Awoor. Perfect for families, this story brings comfort and connection to anyone navigating times apart.

Every kid knows--all mamas are unique! This gentle, heartfelt picture book explores the deep connection between children and their mothers. From infancy, a mother's scent becomes a familiar, comforting presence that helps children feel at home as they grow. Sahar Naja Mahfouz captures this beautiful bond through poetic language, told from the perspective of a child.

Accompanied by captivating illustrations by Baraa Awoor, Mama's Scent tugs at the heart and explores themes of separation anxiety and belonging.

Review Quotes

"Originally published in Arabic, this translation poetically explores how scent can be an emotional proxy. In Awoor's fantastical mixed-media illustrations, the mother's body and billowy white dress transform into a comfy chair the child snuggles and nestles into. Like a warm embrace, Mama's Scent is soothing and sensory-rich."--Booklist

"Patterns and textures layer in the jewel-toned collage illustrations of this exquisite picture book that honors the bond between mother and child. A girl muses on all the memories held in her mother's scent: happy days, rosy cheeks, and special celebrations. The scent always makes her feel safe, but she is surprised when she smells it during school one day. After an extensive search, she discovers her mother's scarf tucked into her schoolbag; she wraps herself in the scent until they are reunited."--Foreword Reviews, starred review

Translated from Arabic, Naja Mahfouz's text is more poem than story, weaving lyrical descriptions with Awoor's exquisitely whimsical mixed-media illustrations, bursting with gentle colors, lush textures, and incredible detail...A tender tribute to mothers and their children.--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Beirut-born and educated at the American University of Beirut, Sahar Naja Mahfouz has made the UAE her home for many years. As a mother of three, she is dedicated to her mission of "writing for personality development." She brings stories to life in Arabic, celebrating the language's beauty, expressiveness, and flexibility. Her works span both published and unpublished stories for children and youth, and she contributes as a writer for Iftah Ya Simsim, the Arabic version of Sesame Street. An active participant in literature festivals, she leads workshops in schools and colleges, has worked as a Content Manager for Pearson Education's Arabic Curriculum, and is the founder and coordinator of HUNNA, a UAE-based group of female writers established in 2013.

Baraa Awoor is a self-taught, award-winning illustrator from Gaza, Palestine, currently based in Cairo and holding a UAE Golden Residency. With a background in education and years of artistic practice, she brings stories to life through acrylics, oil pastels, colored pencils, and mixed media and collage. Her work has been exhibited internationally, with recognition at prestigious events such as the Bologna Children's Book Fair, the Sharjah Reading Festival, and exhibitions in Geneva. Baraa has led international workshops on illustrating children's books in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, sharing her creative process with young artists. Her books have been translated into several languages, including Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Turkish, and English. Mama's Scent is her first book to be published in the United States.