Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

The Smiley family traveled a lot. However, Captain Smiley had a different plan this time around for his two sons, Matti and Massi. The captain flies Matti and Massi on a mission to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Reading their mission checklist, Matti and Massi are supposed to sand surf the dunes, discover falconry, eat hot lugaimaat, cross Dubai Creek on an abra, reach the top of Burj al Arab, and sway to the Dubai fountains. In their mission bag are 5 dirham coins, a Polaroid camera, the map of Dubai, and a small jar. The two brothers are expected to bring back proof of every task they accomplish on the checklist, and they only have eight hours to complete the mission. Will they make it? Find out in Zeina Hamad’s Matti and Massi Missions Dubai.

Lovers of children's adventure and action books will relish Zeina Hamad’s Matti and Massi Missions Dubai. Zeina whisked me away from reality and dropped me in the middle of a magnificent world with an engrossing plot. The author combines the account with colorful images and enthralling historical facts about the UAE. The great choice of words will not only expand your child’s English vocabulary but will also give them a good start at learning Arabic and about the local culture. Among many things, I learned how to count to three in Arabic. The characters were brilliantly developed. Matti loves and cares for his younger brother. This story will take you on an exciting and adventurous ride.