I began writing my children’s books to help address a growing litter problem in Jordan. However, since I can only write in English I needed to translate my books into Arabic. Thankfully, I didn’t need to go far for the translator, as the perfect person was my husband, Mohammed, who was very enthusiastic about making my books available in Arabic to the children of Jordan.
Anzeh al-Azeeza Cleans Up Petra
This is the first book of the ‘Anzeh Azeeza’ series. It is about a curious goat, named Azeeza, who lives in Petra, the ancient sandstone kingdom of the Nabateans in the south of Jordan. As Azeeza plays with her siblings in the archaeological site, danger awaits. It doesn’t take her long to start eating litter that has been left by tourists and has to be rushed to the clinic to have it removed. The aim of the book is to raise awareness of the environmental dangers of littering, and to showcase one of Jordan’s most important heritage sites.
Available in Jordan
Anzeh Al-Azeeza Protects the Forest
This book takes place in a forest near Amman, the capital of Jordan. It highlights the problems that wandering goats have when confronted by food and litter that picnickers have left behind when they go home. Azeeza sees something that looks delicious but is then taken ill and has to go to an animal hospital to get a remedy. This book highlights some famous landmarks in Amman and sends a strong anti-litter message to weekend picnickers, who throng to Jordan’s limited green areas throughout the year.
Available in Jordan
Anzeh Azeeza and her Zero Footprint Lesson
This book addresses the specific litter actions that are witnessed, in this case, by Azeeza and her family. She is distressed that scenic places in Jordan, that used to be beautiful, are now covered by trash. She takes it upon herself to visit schools and show examples of littering that should not happen. Some specific issues that she addresses are the tossing of items out of car windows, the excessive usage of plastic in bags and cartons, and how to dispose of litter that has been collected.
Available in Jordan
Azeeza Petra’s Jr. Ranger takes you on a tour
This is a cultural heritage book, and Azeeza is a Jr. Ranger. In addition to taking you on a tour of Petra, she also explains the fragility of the carved sandstone site. There is also a map in the book, highlighting the most important monuments and Azeeza encourages visitors to Petra to help her protect the site.
Available in Jordan
Anzeh Azeeza Explores Umm al-Jimal
This is another cultural heritage book that takes place in Umm al-Jimal, a black basalt archeological city in the north of Jordan. Azeeza takes you on a tour of the ancient site, passing the 16 Byzantine churches, the Roman reservoir, and the scattered homes where people once lived. As she leaves, she looks forward to visiting again soon, eager to see the new interpretive center and museum, and to celebrate its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage monument.
Available in Jordan
Anzeh Azeeza Loves Aqaba
This book takes place in Jordan’s only seaport, Aqaba, on the Red Sea. Azeeza has learned how to dive and has good friends (all of them I named after my grandchildren) who join her in swimming among the more than 500 varieties of fish, and the beautiful coral reefs that Aqaba is famous for. However, like so many other seas, there is litter, and she and her friends join the monthly cleanup dive. Unfortunately, her friend, Mai, runs into trouble but Azeeza and her friends come to the rescue and save the day.
Available in Jordan
KAREN GEX ASFOUR 