Here is a charming and beautifully illustrated book for the children in your life. You will enjoy it too! The author, Wafa Shami, was born and raised in Ramallah. She writes stories from her own childhood for her son so he can know Palestine: the culture, family life, and connection to the land and each other.

Olive Harvest in Palestine is the story of Palestine. You see the excitement and joy of the family and the entire community in the olive harvest, all told through the eyes of children.

Wafa Shami has also written Easter in Ramallah about growing up sharing holidays and cooking specialties like ka’ek together with neighbors of different faiths. Palestine has historically been inclusive – the community all respected each other’s religions and shared holidays together.

Wafa also has a food blog, Palestine in a Dish, and here is her Facebook which also has recipes and photos. What a beautiful invitation for those of us who long to be in Palestine now. Make the children’s books your gifts this year, and enjoy the wonderful Palestinian food in your home! Olive Harvest in Palestine is available online at Middle East Books and More.