Saturday, May 1, 2010

Cross-cultural understanding and tolerance: A new children's book The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The Queen of Jordan is the co-author of this lively picture book based on her nursery-school experiences that taught her to be “open to what seems foreign or strange.” Salma and Lily are best friends at school, and lively, double-page spreads show the girls having fun, drawing pictures, playing in the schoolyard, and eating lunch together, until one day Lily blurts out that Salma’s sandwich (pita bread and hummus) looks kind of yucky, and Salma says the same about her friend’s peanut butter and jelly (“looks gross, and it smells bad, too”). The harmonious pictures change to show angry standoffs, and other kids choose sides, shout insults, and begin a huge food fight. Finally, after a visit to the principal’s office, Salma and Lily feel ashamed. They taste each other’s sandwiches (yummy!), hug, and trade lunch. The story is preachy, and food makes a too-easy peacemaker. But preschoolers will recognize the school drama of friends and enemies and the messy confrontations that are resolved. Preschool-Grade 2. --Hazel Rochman

Product Description

Lily and Salma are best friends. They play together and stick together through thick and thin. But who would have ever thought that ordinary peanut butter or plain old hummus could come between them? Lily and Salma don’t quite understand each other’s tastes, but does that mean they can't be friends? They understand far better than a lot of gown ups that these things hardly matter and that friendship is the most important thing of all.

Her Majesty,Queen Rania’s children’s book is inspired by her own experience. As written by Kelly Dipuchio, it is a warm-hearted and gently humorous fable about two girls who become aware of their subtle cultural differences, only to have their friendship strengthened as a result. Her Majesty travels the world promoting children’s causes as well as cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan (www.queenrania.jo) is a mother, a wife, a boss, an advocate, and a humanitarian. She is dedicated to defending the welfare of children around the world: she is UNICEF's Eminent Advocate for Children. Known also as a champion of cross-cultural tolerance and a campaigner for global education, Her Majesty collaborates with international organizations and grassroots projects in these areas. Her Majesty is married to King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, they have 4 children: Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma, and Prince Hashem.Follow her on twitter at twitter.com/QueenRania

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