A story about the harvest traditions that have been shared among Palestinian farmers for centuries. The story takes the reader’s imagination on a journey, starting from how the olives are picked, through how they are pressed into oil, bottled and finally arrive in the consumer’s hands. Along the way the reader shares in this festive working atmosphere filled with singing, eating, love and laughter portrayed from the eyes of a child.
Endorsements
“This story, primarily intended for children, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The principles of community, family, country and love are beautifully shared through the elements of the olives, oil and warm maklouba. This is the story of Palestine. Shami takes us on a virtual tour of a typical day in the life of a family in a Palestinian town, told through the eyes of children.” Hussam Ayloush
“Wafa Shami’s story about the annual olive harvest is a wonderful outing for children young and old alike to learn about Palestinian culture, family life and connection to their land and heritage. This story about the fruits of the land and their labor reflects the safe and joyful time the harvest should be for all. Shami’s story also serves as a beautiful invitation for people from around the world to visit Palestine, stand in solidarity with the people during the harvest, and help secure their land and traditions for future generations of Palestinians.” Estee Chandler
“Nearly 55% of Palestinians are children. We tend to forget that. Shami’s lovely children stories like this one on olive harvest remind us and reconnect us (kids and grown-ups) to each other and to the land in a heart-warming way.” Mazin Qumsiyeh
“Wafa Shami writes a beautiful orchard story of devotion, labor, and harvesting in which nothing terrible happens. Palestinians deserve more days in which nothing terrible happens. Here is life, shining, ripe and succulent, singing of culture, history, tradition and the dinner table too.” Naomi Shihab Nye
“A beautiful portrayal of the most important harvest in Palestine. You have skillfully opened the reader’s imagination to exactly what the olive tree means to Palestinians: a connection to the land, food, family, livelihood and most important community. Your readers may very well be the first generation of Palestinians to witness the olive trees blossom in peace in a free Palestine. Thank you for contributing toward this path.” Sam Bahour
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