Picture Book – Published by Asala Publishers. Beirut, 2013 | Translated and published in Turkish by Edam. Istanbul, 2016.

Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, Best Production, 2013.

“عندما تغضب” (When You Get Angry) is a heartfelt children’s book that explores the emotional challenge of anger and the power of self-expression. The story follows Hadi, a young boy who learns to manage his anger by channeling his emotions through creativity instead of letting them control him. The illustrations, created using bold black ink, have been praised for their striking and unique style. Through the use of deep contrasts, intricate linework, and soft gray shading, they vividly express Hadi’s emotional turmoil. The characters are designed with distinct conical shapes and exaggerated, playful features, giving them a whimsical yet poignant quality. These unconventional illustrations not only capture the raw emotion of anger but also infuse the book with charm and humor, enhancing the narrative with each page.

As soon as I read the script, I knew I had to illustrate this book. Much like Hadi, I had found my own expressive outlet through drawing, and it was a life-changing experience. Illustrating this story allowed me to connect deeply with the theme of transforming negative emotions into something positive through creativity.

Written by Dunyazad al-Saadi | Illustrated by Zarifi Haidar Marín.

Buy it now! Arabic copy | Turkish copy