Australia celebrates Father's Day every year in September with books being among the most popular gifts.
Among the offerings this year is one aimed at children from an Australian-Arabic background entitled 'My Baba is the Best' penned by AFL great and father-of-three, Bachar Houli.
Mr Houli cemented his place in footballing history by being the first devout Muslim to play in the Australian Football League (AFL) and only the third Muslim overall.
He played 232 games over a 15-year career with Richmond and Essendon and was a three-time premiership player with Richmond.
Testament to his stellar career, he was also named an All-Australian half-back during his 2019 premiership winning season.
Bachar Houli of the Tigers runs with the ball during a Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Swinburne Centre in Melbourne, Tuesday, June 9, 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / MICHAEL DODGE/AAPIMAGE
With “baba” meaning “father” in Arabic, the picture book has been described as a “feel good” insight into a happy and healthy father-child bond.
In an interview with SBS Arabic24, Mr Houli says that he was delighted to have been able to write a book dedicated to children and parents, after publishing his first book about his personal journey as a young Australian Muslim and a professional football player of Lebanese origins.
“We all understand the many challenges children face in society today. The more we can do with our children, the more I think we will win their hearts and be able to be by their side and grow together,” he said.
I remember when I was growing up, that relationship didn't exist with my father because there was a big age gap between us.Bachar Houli
The book is told from the perspective of Mr Houli's eldest daughter and she is the main character in it.
The book details all of the activities the storyteller enjoys doing with her dad including camping, gardening, fishing, watching movies and jogging. But most of all, she says she loves his “big beard and big smile”.
"She feels very proud, and I think that pride will remain with her when she grows up and shares the book with her friends at school and I hope that one day she will share it with her children too," Mr Houli said.
Mr Houli says he was motivated to write the book not only to make his family happy but also to produce an educational resource and a cultural message for the wider Australian community.
"The book highlights a familiar part of cultural experiences that may differ slightly from that of non-Muslim Australians,” he said.
“The reader will be able to learn a little about our different cultural traditions, one of the many different cultures that make up our beautiful country.
"It's all about building connections. I got a lot of encouragement and positive feedback and that's great. It's worth it and something we'll cherish for a long time."
Richmond Tigers player Bachar Houli (right) is seen with his family after arriving on a flight from Melbourne at the Gold Coast Airport on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The flight was one of three transporting AFL players' family members to be with them in their Queensland hub. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) Source: AAP / DAVE HUNT/AAPIMAGE
"We really need to get away from the ‘busy-ness’ of life and devote time to our children,” Mr Houli said.
It only takes a little something to put a smile on the faces of the little ones.Bachar Houli
“You don't have to actually travel around the world to make them happy, you can do a lot of things together at home like play a game of UNO or take a walk in the park.
“These simple activities can build a strong relationship with your loved ones.”
Bachar Houli of the Richmond Tigers is seen during a pre-season training session at Southport on the Gold Coast, Monday, January 27, 2020. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt) Source: AAP / GLENN HUNT/AAPIMAGE
The beloved former football player concluded that he is enjoying a balanced life now that he has retired from the game and that he was able to spend more quality time with his family, something he appreciates very much today.
