Published by Chronicle Books

Summary: A girl and her two siblings love their father’s bedtime stories, expressly those well-nigh their homeland, a place the kids have never seen. Their father tells well-nigh visiting his grandparents in the Old Municipality of Jerusalem, with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of a popping municipality with a rich history. The story ends with his grandfather releasing hundreds of homing pigeons. “Won’t they fly away?” asks the boy, to which the grandfather replies, “This is their home.” It’s the last time their father sees his grandfather, and he shows his kids the rusty key to the family’s home. The children fall unconsciousness and dream of their homeland. Includes a glossary of Arabic words and an author’s note (with photos) well-nigh the history of Palestine, which is her own homeland. 40 pages; grades K-3.

Pros: The story and folk art-style illustrations bring to life the family’s homeland in Palestine and beautifully convey the sadness and longing they have to return there.

Cons: Readers unfamiliar with the history of this region will need some spare information to understand what’s going on.