Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The importance of olive trees to one Palestinian family is magnified in this picture book focused on a child's awareness of her family's history. Drawing on personal background, per an author's note, Ghanameh introduces Oraib, a girl who lives in "a makeshift canvas house in the Balata refugee camp... the only home she's ever known." Just outside the camp, Oraib's family carries on her ancestors' tradition of caring for olive trees: before war prompted them to flee, her family "tended the olive trees... for hundreds of years" in the coastal village of Al-Tira. As war again draws close and the family prepares to journey from the camp, Oraib worries about the future of the local trees, and resolves to ensure that they endure. In an earthy palette and velvety textures, Ghanameh's hand-drawn, digitally finished illustrations portray the family's ancestral home and the camp, while ghostly arms suggest rising threats. Bittersweet in both words and images, this moving debut conveys one girl's powerful attempt to secure her family's legacy despite uncertainty. Ages 3--5. (Aug.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young Palestinian refugee helps her mother harvest olives outside their camp. The canvas tent in the Balata refugee camp near Nablus, Palestine, is the only home Oraib and her younger siblings have ever known. Before war broke out, Mama lived in Al-Tira, where for years the family cared for the olive trees. The family still relies on the trees--their trimmings are kindle for fire; the oil from the olives can be used to cook with and make soap. Ghanameh captures Oraib's sadness when she learns war has found its way to Nablus and the family must pack their belongings and leave the olive trees behind. Oraib's hope of returning is evident as she plants a pit, saying, "Wait for me. One day, when we're older, I'll return to you for harvest." In this poignant yet child-appropriate perspective on warfare, Ghanameh's hand-drawn illustrations full of green landscape and white tents bring to life the refugee experience. References to Palestinian culture can be found throughout, from endpapers with stitched, embroidered patterns to Mama's thobe. In an author's note, Ghanameh discusses how the book was inspired by her grandmother, who was born in 1953 shortly after the Nabka, or the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sorrowful tale of the impact of warfare, infused with hope. (photographs) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
