The Amazing Discoveries of Ibn Sina - Hardcover

Sharafeddine, Fatima

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1554987105 ISBN 13: 9781554987108

Publisher: Groundwood Books, 2015

Synopsis

Born in Persia more than a thousand years ago, Ibn Sina was one of the greatest thinkers of his time — a philosopher, scientist and physician who made significant discoveries, especially in the field of medicine, and wrote more than one hundred books. As a child, Ibn Sina was extremely bright, a voracious reader who loved to learn and was fortunate to have the best teachers. He memorized the Qur’an by the age of ten and completed his medical studies at sixteen. He spent his life traveling, treating the sick, seeking knowledge through research, and writing about his discoveries. He came up with new theories in the fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy and education. His most famous work is The Canon of Medicine, a collection of books that were used for teaching in universities across the Islamic world and Europe for centuries. Ibn Sina’s story, told in the first person and beautifully illustrated, provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the great intellects of the past.

About this title

About the Author

Fatima Sharafeddine is a Lebanese writer who has twice been nominated for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. After receiving a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, she pursued graduate studies in the United States. She now divides her time between Beirut and Brussels, where she writes and translates full time.

Intelaq Mohammed Ali is an award-winning Iraqi illustrator based in Iran with thirty years’ experience in children’s culture. She has won awards for her written work and illustration, receiving the Golden Pen of Belgrade four times. Her work has also been recognized by the White Ravens catalogue (International Youth Library, Germany) and was featured in a Bologna Illustrator’s Exhibition. She was named to the IBBY Honor List for her illustrations in the original edition of The Amazing Travels of Ibn Battuta, published in the United Arab Emirates. She lives in Qum, Iran.

From School Library Journal

Gr 2–4—This picture book tells the story of Ibn Sina, who compiled The Canon of Medicine, an encyclopedia of medicine that was used in the Islamic world and Europe up until the 18th century. An influential thinker, Ibn Sina came up with many ideas taken for granted today, such as that learning begins at birth and that contaminated water can spread disease. He was born in Persia in 980, and this story starts with his childhood, emphasizing his passion for literature and medicine. Even before turning 18, Ibn Sina succeeded where the best doctors failed, curing Sultan Nuh ibn Mansour al-Samani. As a reward, he was invited to stay at the sultan's palace and given access to the library. As the political landscape changed, Ibn Sina traveled often, helping many sick people and learning from the experiences. Enchanting illustrations convey the man's experiences. Educators may enjoy having the opportunity to introduce a lesser-known historical figure to kids. However, the text is less than stellar. Told in the first person from Ibn Sina's point of view, the narrative is on the wordy side and tends toward the didactic, covering somewhat complex concepts with which few students are likely to be familiar. VERDICT Because of the dearth of titles on this historical figure, this is a suitable addition for collections looking to diversify their biography collections, but it likely won't resonate with readers.—Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA

About this edition

• Publisher: Groundwood Books
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1554987105
• ISBN 13: 9781554987108
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Ali Intelaq