The camel has worked its entire life for a man called Halim, carrying bundles of spices, dates, incense, silver and wool on long journeys across the desert east of the Red Sea. It often has to climb steep dunes, run when it is exhausted, and wait in the hot sun while Halim sits in the shade talking to the other merchants. One day the camel is overwhelmed by sadness and finds itself in tears. But still Halim shows no sympathy. When they arrive in the beautiful garden-filled city of Medina, where the Prophet lives, the merchant refreshes himself with food and drink and then naps on a pillow of sand, once again leaving the tired camel to stand alone in the burning sun. But when the Prophet sees the camel’s plight, everything changes. Halim finally empathizes with the camel’s pain and suffering.
- ISBN: 9781554983810
- Author: Ondaatje, Griffin
- Illustrator: Wolfsgruber, Linda
- Published: 2013 , Groundwood Books
- Themes: Camels, Compassion and kindness, muslim, prophecy
- Descriptors: Asia, Fiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9)
- No. of pages: 32