«Babu Around the World»: Heba El-Zahed Opens a Window for Children into the Cultures of Nations
By: Enjy Yassin || Al-Masry Al-Youm
Amidst the suitcases she carried to different capitals and cultures, and the classrooms where she deeply studied etiquette and protocol, Heba El-Zahed developed a firm conviction that the most beautiful thing a child can learn is not the rules of using a fork and knife, but rather respecting every human being regardless of their culture, language, or customs. Therefore, she chose to pass this extensive experience on to the world of children through the project «Babu Around the World», which blends knowledge and adventure, taking children on exciting journeys to discover the cultures of different peoples.
Heba said in her interview with «Al-Masry Al-Youm»: «The idea came to me from my friends and loved ones who, over the years, encouraged me to offer something for children that combines etiquette and different cultures in a way that suits their age. Over time, and after studying protocol and etiquette in Switzerland, and traveling and working in various countries, I felt that God had given me an experience worth reaching children and benefiting them.»
Heba believed that childhood is the most appropriate stage for instilling positive values and behaviors, so she sought to present them in a format that combines entertainment and knowledge, explaining: «I wanted to deliver this message to children in a simple way. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about writing, but I said, “Why not?” So I started with a single book, and as the idea evolved, I added travel and cultural discovery, and then launched the book “Babu Around the World,” turning the book into an 8-book series that introduces youngsters to world cultures.»
She emphasized that her message is not limited to teaching children the rules of etiquette, but rather building a conscious personality that believes in learning, respects differences, and opens up to the world with confidence, without losing its connection to its roots, identity, and heritage.
She added: «If we were to state a single goal for the series, it is for the child to grow up seeing the world with curiosity, love, and a passion for learning, and to learn that differences among peoples and cultures are not something strange or rejected to be feared. On the contrary, they are something to learn from and enjoy discovering. Every journey opens a window for them to new cultures and stories, and the most beautiful journey they can experience is discovering the world and themselves at the same time.»
Heba chose the character of the monkey «Babu» as the hero of the series, drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian civilization to be a symbol of knowledge and love of discovery. She said: «I drew inspiration for the character from the ancient Egyptian god “Thoth”—associated with wisdom and science—who appeared in the form of a baboon. Thus, the name “Babu” came from him, to be a friend to children who travels, learns, asks questions, and embodies the values of curiosity and continuous learning.»
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