Leila Boukarim

In this heartwarming picture book, a girl and her mama discover joy and friendship through the art of Bob Ross and his happy little trees Rima and her mama have moved far across the world to a new home. Now, everything feels dark and gray, and Mama doesn't smile like she used to. But when Rima discovers the painter on television, everything changes. His soft voice and crunching brush inspire Rima to create art. And soon, Rima and Mama paint their own world in their new home.

A savvy little girl explains how to survive a huge family party—especially the never-ending goodbye at the end—in this cheeky and charming picture book celebration of Middle Eastern culture. What happens when you’re invited to a Middle Eastern party? A LOT! Which is why your good friend Salwa will show how to make the most of every minute and navigate those tricky parts, step by step, from the joyful Salam! when you arrive until the longest goodbye in the history of goodbyes when you’re ready to leave.

Mariam's Dream follows real-life freedom dreamer Mariam Al-Shaar, known around the world for building Soufra, a women-run kitchen in the Bourj Al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon.This is a story about how one woman can make a huge difference. Once Mariam decides to start a food business in the refugee camp where she’s spent her whole life, she must see her dream through. She will need money. She will need the right papers. People will tell her it’s impossible. They will tell her not to risk it. But with the women of the camp behind her, she is determined to make it happen. Discover the joys of cooking, the power of community, and the flavors of Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon in this poignant story written for anyone who has ever felt walled in and dreamed of something more. “Food and words have long been an important part of Palestinian resistance. This uplifting picture book perfectly utilizes both while sharing a story of hope and liberation in the face of injustice.” —Hannah Moushabeck, award-winning author of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine “Bravo! Mariam’s Dream teaches young readers what resilience means and works as an excellent, supportive example for kids’ own self-empowerment. At the same time, it blows apart stereotypes of subservient Arab women and the helplessness of refugees.” —Cathy Camper, award-winning author of Ten Ways to Hear Snow, Arab Arab All Year Long!, and the Lowriders series Perfect for: Parents and gift-givers seeking stories of inspirational women Educators looking for books about the refugee experience Readers eager for stories about Palestinians, their food, and their displacement around the world Anyone seeking multicultural and diverse children’s books for classroom or home library reference

Every summer, Yasmine visits her family in Lebanon, and every Sunday, the whole family comes over for lunch. This summer Sunday, Yasmine is making the hummus! But hummus is harder to make than she expects, and Yasmine has all sorts of questions: How much garlic should she add? Is it lemon juice or vinegar? And where does the sesame flavor come from? With a little help from Baba, Yasmine mixes in a bit of this, and a bit of that … and hummus à la Yasmine is ready! But when grumpy Ammo Farouk arrives with the rest of the family, Yasmine worries — will he hate it? What if her hummus doesn’t taste like the real thing? Sundays Are for Feasts is a celebration of how meals can bring family together, and the importance of making your own traditions. Includes an author’s note, glossary of Arabic terms used in the story and a recipe for hummus! Key Text Features illustrations author’s note recipe glossary definitions Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4 Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6 With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

Zips and Eeloo are two aliens from planet Zooglebeep (NOT Zoogleboop, that is a very different planet) who think they know everything about being human. But do they know how to make a friend? Find out in this colorful and funny graphic novel that early readers will want to read again and again!Zips and Eeloo are two aliens who have read a bunch of books about humans and watched a LOT of human TV. You could DEFINITELY say they are experts at all things human. They even have EXPERTS IN ALL THINGS HUMAN CERTIFICATES! And in all of the stories, Zips and Eeloo have learned that humans love friends, so now they are going to make a friend, too. But "making friends" is harder than it seems ... nowhere in any of the books have Zips and Eeloo learned how to make one, so they're going to try with milk jugs, tennis balls, and anything else they can find. This full-color graphic novel with a Dyslexia-friendly font is aimed at the earliest readers just beginning on their graphic novel journeys. Author Leila Boukarim expertly weaves in humor with socio-emotional themes, and illustrator Alex Lopez brings the characters to life. Zips and Eeelo Make a Friend's funny and adorable text will keep readers engaged while teaching an important lesson—friendship!"These hilarious and lovable aliens have only been on Earth for six days but they navigate being human like experts… in chaos. And I adored every second!" - Tara J. Hannon, author of Birtle and the Purple Turtles “Simple yet energetic dialogue by Boukarim (Hello Goodbye Little Island) combines with deliciously bright artwork from Lopez (LankyBox: Epic Adventure!), making the events of this goofy early reader graphic novel offering practically bounce off the page. It’s a warm and madcap meditation on teamwork, patience, and new experiences told through a comestible escapade starring cartoonish pseudo-siblings finding common ground in their love for chickpea paste.” - Publisher's Weekly for Zips and Eeloo Make Hummus "Lopez's expressive, witty artwork is full of comedic, slapstick energy and really complements the characters and the overall story. In addition to the playful, inviting story, Zips and Eeloo actually follow some good directions, and a recipe at the end will give kids a chance to try it on their own. Delicious fun." - Booklist for Zips and Eeloo Make Hummus"A mix of simple comedic ingredients with a few twists as garnish makes for a funny, fast read.”? - Kirkus Reviews for Zips and Eeloo Make Hummus

Based on a true family story, this inspiring picture book about the Armenian Genocide shares an often-overlooked history and honors the resilience of the Armenian people.What is it like to walk away from your home? To leave behind everything and everyone you've ever known? Poetic, sensitive, and based on a true family history, Lost Words follows a young Armenian boy from the day he sets out to find refuge to the day he finally finds the courage to share his story. It is difficult to find the words to describe the type of loss a Genocide can cause to a young child. I've been looking for something similar for my own son. This picture book is a good start to help explain loss and raise the many questions necessary to start the conversation."-Serj Tankian, activist, artist, and lead vocalist for System of a DownINTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION: This story is a reassuring testament to the bond between parent and child, and the love people pass down to future generations through shared stories. ENCOURAGES COMPASSION: In the midst of the current international refugee crisis, stories of refugees and immigrants are an evocative reminder of the importance of showing kindness and empathy to strangers from all walks of life. UNIVERSAL STORY: While this story specifically centers Armenians, it also speaks to a shared experience of many people across the globe. Reckoning with loss after a traumatic event is a common experience that many people can relate to, but the poignancy of this story delivers a powerful message of hope, courage, and remembrance. UNDERREPRESENTED NARRATIVE: There are thought to be well over one million Armenians in the U.S., yet there are no known picture books about the Armenian Genocide. This moving portrait of family is a recognition of strength and resilience in the face of oppression, and a loving ode to a thriving community that refused to be silenced.Perfect for:- The Armenian and Armenian American community - Anyone interested in learning about Armenian history and culture - Readers seeking engaging stories of migration and refugee experience - Parents and grandparents - Teachers and librarians

Series Synopsis The Read + Play series of books help children nurture a lifelong love for reading and learning through the power of play. With each story, children are guided through various Read and Play elements to immerse them in the story world experience. Start your child on an enriching journey of learning with Read + Play today! Story Synopsis Jack loves Christmas and every year he dreams it will be white. But where Jack lives, Christmas is never white, so all he can do is dream. But one magical Christmas Eve, Jack’s wish comes true! Except, he is all alone. When Jack’s nose turns to ice and he can no longer feel his fingers, he marches back home determined to make Christmas right. From the creators of Hello, Goodbye Little Island comes a magical Christmas tale that will warm your heart, no matter what your Christmas looks like.

The Read + Play series of books help children nurture a lifelong love for reading and learning through the power of play. With each story, children are guided through various Read and Play elements to immerse them in the story world experience. Start your child on an enriching journey of learning with Read + Play today!

Zips and Eeloo are two aliens who think they are experts in all things human, like making hummus! But they aren’t exactly the experts they claim to be. Will Zips and Eeloo have hummus after all, or just one big, mushy mess? This graphic novel is great for readers who are just beginning their graphic novel journey! In this hilarious and colourful graphic novel, readers will learn how to make hummus alongside the two alien friends. They'll clap and cheer as Zips and Eeloo look for a bowl (but get it confused with a bowling ball!), need to go to the grocery store for lemons, and eventually, make some super yummy hummus. This full-colour graphic novel also includes a recipe for hummus in the back!

Maja had just moved to the little island and she missed home terribly. When she finds a friend, things get better, but when her friend moves away, her world crumbles once more. With time, Maja discovers that distances do not matter; the friendships she finds will stay with her always, and goodbyes are not forever. Hello Goodbye Little Island is about learning to form new and meaningful relationships. A "look-and-find" activity on every page will also engage readers as they discover more about the little island.

A girl sets out on a journey, full of wonder. She sees the moon and decides to visit it. But when she builds a box to climb up, she is told to stay on the path that was planned for her. The girl must make a decision: to put her dreams away or to carve her own path.

A boy sets out on a journey, full of wonder. He comes across an empty box and imagines all the things he can do with it. But when the path he is on splits, the boy must make a decision: to follow the advice of others or to follow his own heart.

At only ten years old, Halimah lost her father and her home, and made up her mind to help her mother make ends meet, no matter the cost. It was only a matter of time before Halimah's studies began to suffer, nearly getting her kicked out of school. This is the story of the girl who beat the odds, rose above her circumstances, and became Singapore's first female president.

At only ten years old, Halimah lost her father and her home, and made up her mind to help her mother make ends meet, no matter the cost. It was only a matter of time before Halimah's studies began to suffer, nearly getting her kicked out of school. This is the story of the girl who beat the odds, rose above her circumstances, and became Singapore's first female president.

Alex loves cupcakes. He loves to bake them, he loves to ice them, and most of all, he loves to eat them! But there is one thing Alex doesn't like. He is only ever allowed one. That's the rule. Just one cupcake. When Alex can't decide which cupcake to choose on his birthday, it seems like nothing is going his way... until he gets home to find a wonderful birthday surprise!

Maja had moved to the little island with her family not long ago. She missed home terribly and wanted nothing more than to go back. Soon after, she finds a friend and wishes things would never change. But when her friend moves away, her world crumbles once more. One day, Maja hears a friendly voice speak to her and a new friendship begins to form. With time, Maja discovers that distances do not matter; the friendship and love she finds in others will stay with her always, and goodbyes are not forever. Hello Goodbye Little Island is a story about the difficulties of relocation, saying goodbye and learning to form new and meaningful relationships. Beautiful illustrations with a mix of different mediums and photographs will enthral readers of all ages. A “look-and-find” activity on every page will also engage readers and help them discover more about the little island.