Children's Book “My Father, the Mapmaker” by Ashraf Aboul-Yazid Published at Cairo Book Fair

The art of mapmaking, a practice that has guided humanity across uncharted lands and seas, takes center stage in the new young adult novel My Father, the Mapmaker by Ashraf Aboul-Yazid. Published by Bayt Al-Hikma for Culture during the Cairo International Book Fair 2025, this novel blends adventure, curiosity, and the timeless allure of maps to create a memorable story for readers of all ages.

A Journey Into the World of Maps

“Is this even possible? Your father is a mapmaker! We used to draw maps in school when we were kids, but is there really an adult whose entire job is to draw just maps?”

This whimsical question sets the tone for the novel as the young protagonist embarks on an enlightening journey with his father, a mapmaker. Through their adventures, readers are invited to explore not only the geographical phenomena that maps represent but also the deeper stories and connections they hold. Maps, after all, are more than lines and symbols—they are tools that help us understand our world and our place in it.

Whether charting roads, distances, or entire territories, the novel reminds us that maps are a crucial part of human history and culture, offering insights into exploration, discovery, and even imagination.

The Minds Behind the Novel

Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, a veteran Egyptian writer with over three decades in cultural journalism, brings his storytelling expertise to this engaging novel. Known for his works in children’s literature, such as Children of My Arab Nation, Underwater Mailman, and My Cat Writes a Book, Ashraf’s ability to combine educational themes with captivating narratives is unmatched. His accolades, including the Manhae Prize for Literature (South Korea) and the Sawiris Cultural Award (Egypt), speak to his talent for crafting stories that resonate across cultures.

Adding a visual dimension to the novel is Walaa Khalifa, a talented graphic designer and visual artist. Her evocative illustrations breathe life into the story, creating a world where the lines of maps transform into rivers, mountains, and adventures waiting to be discovered. Walaa’s impressive artistic background includes participation in international and local exhibitions, as well as winning first place in the 2015 Creativity Competition