Hilwa's Gifts by Anait Semirdzhyan, Safa Suleiman
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229423
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Gardening, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Ali is visiting his family in Palestine – his first ever visit during the olive harvest. Above all, Ali is so excited to see Hilwa, his most beloved olive tree, immediately running to climb on her branches and sit in her shade. Ali is surprised to learn how olives are harvested by whacking the branches, and reluctantly learns to accept the technique after trying to pick Hilwa’s olives by hand (one by one). The whole family pitches in with the harvest – singing, clapping, and dancing along the way. The olives from the tree bring many gifts – from oil to soap, and everyone comes together to celebrate the harvest with a delicious picnic. Best of all, Ali comes home with a cutting to grow his own olive tree. Complete with an Arabic glossary and author’s note, this story is a joyous celebration of Palestinian culture, and is recommended for any picture book collection. The sketchy/watercolor illustrations create depth on each page and are full of life. Recommended for ages 6 to 7 (Grades 1 to 2). Cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell