As a junior infant teacher for more than 15 years, I am always on the lookout for books that open gentle but meaningful conversations with young children about the world beyond their immediate surroundings. “A Map for Falasteen” by Maysa Odeh is one such book that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
At its heart, this story is about identity, belonging, and the quiet power of understanding where we come from. There are a number of children that I teach whose families have come to Ireland from other countries and cultures. I always endeavour to expand the children’s curiosity about different cultures and how life is different in countries other than Ireland.
The story in “A Map for Falasteen” follows Falasteen trying to make sense of a place that exists both as a physical homeland and as a collection of memories, stories, and feelings.
What struck me most, reading this through the lens of a teacher in a Junior Infant classroom, is how beautifully it models empathy. In the classroom, we spend so much time helping children name their feelings, recognise differences, and build kindness toward others. This book supports that work in such a natural way. It doesn’t overwhelm with facts or politics—instead, it gently invites curiosity.
The language is lyrical without being complicated, making it ideal for reading aloud. There were many points in the story where we paused to explore simple questions like, “What do you think home means?” or “Can you draw a map of somewhere special to you?” These small conversations are where real learning happens at this age.
The illustrations in the book (which deserve special mention) created by Aliaa Betawi are warm, expressive, and full of detail. Young children are naturally drawn to visual storytelling, and this book offers plenty of opportunities for observation and discussion. Even children who may not fully grasp the deeper themes will connect with the emotions shown on each page.
From a classroom perspective, “A Map for Falasteen” could be a lovely addition to topics around “Myself and My World” or “Homes Around the World.” It opens the door to exploring how families, cultures, and histories shape who we are—without needing to simplify those ideas too much.
With very young children, the teacher’s role in guiding the conversation is important. It’s not about explaining everything, but about creating a safe space where children can ask questions and share their own experiences.
Overall, this is a gentle, thought-provoking book that aligns beautifully with the values we try to nurture in early education: empathy, curiosity, and respect for others. It’s a reminder that even the youngest learners are capable of engaging with big ideas—when those ideas are presented with care.
I would certainly recommend “A Map for Falasteen” as a valuable addition to any infant classroom library.
By Leslie-Ann Matthews.
“A Map for Falasteen” by Maysa Odeh and illustrated by Aliaa Batawi, published by O’ Brien Press, is now on sale for €9.99 (P/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, O’ Brien Press, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review.
