Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine, written by Hannah Moushabeck and illustrated by Reem Madooh. Chronicle, Raincoast. 2023. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"As they walked, they were serenaded by sounds:
the chanting of the muazzin's call to prayer mixed 
with the ringing of church bells and the market 
vendors singing the praises of pickling cucumbers
or prickly pears. 

They could hear the cheerful sounds of children 
practicing dabke dancing and the songs of Oum
Koulthoum that blasted from radios on 
windowsills."

The story opens with three children at bedtime, waiting for their father to return from his workday. They love to hear his funny stories about friends and also his tales from their homeland, a place they have never been. He tells them about visits to his grandparents in summer. His grandmother, Teta, fed him ka'ek prepared by the street vendor. She encouraged him to always eat more. 

Sido was always busy with the matters of adults. One day he took his grandson to a family cafe. Through the streets they walked, greeting people and sharing stories. There were many vendors selling wares of all kinds. Sound surrounded them. Sido was most interested in the juice vendor who carried jellab on his back and played most enjoyable rhythms on brass cups and saucers. Once home, their father practiced on his teta's china! 

Thier arrival at the cafe included Sido's assistance with food preparation as the cafe was very popular, and therefore busy. 

"Poets, musicians, historians, and storytellers gathered
to listen to the exchange of ideas at al-Mukhtar's cafe."

Quietly, Sido led his grandson to a garden filled with cages of pigeons. Upon release, the pigeons took to the skies but did not fly away. It was the last time their father saw his father - the last time he saw Palestine. Though tired, the children long to hear more. They know they may never know their homeland, but for the stories their father tells them.  

This debut picture book is filled with family love, remembrances, and a feeling of loss for their homeland.  Digital illustrations provide a clear setting for the languages and joys of community shared in the text. Many fine details awaken the senses to the surroundings. 

Back matter includes a glossary of Arabic words and an author’s note with accompanying archival photos.