Arvaz And The Farmer Merve Kahraman Ozturk Zeynep Yesilmen Good Tree Press English

Arvaz And The Farmer Merve Kahraman Ozturk Zeynep Yesilmen Good Tree Press English

🌾 Arvaz and the Farmer – A Story of Gratitude, Growth, and Giving

🌟 Introduction: A Parable Rooted in Soil and Spirit

Arvaz and the Farmer is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that blends storytelling with spiritual values, written by Merve Kahraman Ozturk and illustrated by Zeynep Yesilmen. Published by Good Tree Press, the book is part of a growing collection of titles that aim to nurture Islamic values in young hearts through gentle, engaging narratives.

At its core, this story is a parable—a tale of a humble farmer and a mysterious creature named Arvaz, whose arrival transforms a simple field into a lesson in gratitude, generosity, and divine wisdom.

📖 Plot Summary

The story begins with a farmer who lives a quiet, content life, tending to his crops and relying on Allah for sustenance. One day, he encounters a strange creature named Arvaz, who appears in his field with a curious request: to be fed from the farmer’s harvest.

Though surprised, the farmer agrees. Arvaz returns day after day, and the farmer continues to share his food without complaint. As the seasons pass, the farmer’s crops flourish beyond expectation, and his generosity never wanes.

Eventually, Arvaz reveals his true purpose: he was sent as a test of the farmer’s character. Because the farmer gave without hesitation, trusted in Allah’s provision, and never asked for reward, he is blessed with abundance—not just in crops, but in spiritual insight.

🌱 Themes and Moral Lessons

1. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

The farmer’s unwavering trust in Allah is the backbone of the story. He gives freely, never fearing scarcity. This reflects the Islamic principle of tawakkul—placing one’s reliance on Allah while doing one’s part.

“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.” – Hadith (Tirmidhi)

2. Generosity and Selflessness

The farmer’s actions embody ihsan—doing good without expecting anything in return. His generosity is not transactional; it is rooted in faith and compassion.

3. Divine Tests and Hidden Wisdom

Arvaz is a metaphor for divine tests that come in unexpected forms. The story teaches children that challenges may be disguised as opportunities to grow spiritually.

4. Gratitude and Contentment

Despite giving away much of his harvest, the farmer remains grateful and content. This counters the modern culture of excess and entitlement, offering a refreshing model of simplicity and thankfulness.

🧠 Educational Value

This book is ideal for:

Islamic studies classrooms: Teaching values like tawakkul, sabr, and generosity

Storytime in masjids or homes: Engaging children with faith-based narratives

Character education programs: Promoting empathy, kindness, and moral reasoning

Interfaith or multicultural settings: Sharing universal values through Islamic storytelling

Each page invites reflection, making it suitable for guided reading, discussion prompts, or journaling activities.

🖼️ Illustrations and Visual Style

Zeynep Yesilmen’s illustrations are soft, earthy, and expressive. They evoke the warmth of rural life and the quiet dignity of the farmer’s character. The visual palette complements the story’s tone—gentle, grounded, and spiritually uplifting.

Children are drawn to:

The expressive faces of Arvaz and the farmer

The changing seasons and flourishing crops

The subtle symbolism in nature and light

The art enhances comprehension and emotional connection, especially for visual learners.

👫 Audience and Accessibility

While the book is designed for children aged 5–10, its layered message resonates with:

Parents and caregivers seeking spiritually enriching stories

Teachers and librarians curating values-based literature

Community leaders promoting ethical storytelling

Gift-givers looking for meaningful, faith-rooted presents

Its language is simple yet profound, making it accessible for early readers and engaging for older children.

🎁 Ideal for Gifting and Bundling

This book pairs beautifully with:

Prayer journals or gratitude diaries

Islamic calligraphy prints or bookmarks

Gardening kits or nature-themed crafts

Books on Prophet stories or moral parables

Perfect for:

Eid or Ramadan gifts

School prize distributions

Islamic storytime bundles

Character-building kits