'Mid-Djarji tal-annimali'

Written and illustrated by Trevor Żahra

Some literary works stay with us as we grow, living on in our hearts and becoming part of our cultural identity. Mid-Djarji tal-annimali, the iconic 10-book collection by celebrated author Trevor Żahra, beloved by entire generations of Maltese children, is being reissued in a new edition by Merlin Publishers. First published in 1990 and long out of print, this classic series has been brought back to life with a fresh, contemporary design by artist Pierre Portelli.

Each of the 10 books offers young readers an intimate peek into the daily life of a different animal, written in the style of personal diary entries. The books are Mid-Djarju ta' Kelb, Mid-Djarju ta' Pitirross, Mid-Djarju ta' Tiġieġa, Mid-Djarju ta' Qattusa, Mid-Djarju ta' Farfett, Mid-Djarju ta' Żrinġ, Mid-Djarju ta' Ġurdien, Mid-Djarju ta' Żiemel, Mid-Djarju ta' Ħuta and Mid-Djarju ta' Qażquż. Alongside a full week of diary entries, every book includes factual information about the featured animal. As a playful bonus, each book also contains the lyrics to the animal's own song, set to the tune of a well-known melody.

This charming series springs from a question that fascinates children since their earliest years: who knows what the animals around us might be thinking? Żahra reflects: "In my childhood, I believed that animals could reason, argue and speak with each other just as we do. When I grew older and was told this wasn't true, it was the greatest disappointment of my life. Today I am returning to my childhood. That is what I want to keep believing! In these 'diaries', I am bringing you closer to the intimate lives of animals, with all their joy, silliness and fears. You decide whether I am right!"

With this heartfelt idea at the core of the series, it is no surprise that the books continue to enchant readers no matter how much time passes. By giving a voice to dogs, hens, mice, horses, hedgehogs and many others, Żahra invites children to see the world through different eyes and to nurture empathy for the creatures who cannot speak yet live beside us on this planet. The diary format draws readers into each animal's inner world, making them feel privy to their secret thoughts and hidden emotions.

Visually, Żahra's distinctive artistic touch is present also in the original illustrations that accompany the text. Meanwhile, Portelli's design for this new edition rekindles these classic books with contemporary energy while preserving their original charm.

Żahra needs no introduction on the Maltese literary stage. A beloved writer and illustrator, he has spent decades enchanting and inspiring generation after generation of Maltese readers with the stories and characters he has created since the 1970s. Throughout his extraordinary career, he has written books across every genre and for all ages, won numerous awards, and many of his works have been translated and published abroad.

Mid-Djarji tal-Annimali offers far more than a few hours of entertaining reading. Whether enjoyed individually or as a full set, these books ignite children's curiosity about the natural world, nurture compassion for animals, and affirm their instinctive belief that the creatures around us have a richer emotional life than adults often assume.

At a time when children are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature, these stories form a renewed connection with our environment. After all, Żahra (and the children who share his view) are most likely right: animals truly do have thoughts, feelings and stories that deserve to be heard.

The books are now available from all bookshops and online at www.merlinpublishers.com