The Olive Tree: A Lesson in Acceptance

It’s not often that I see positive stories about the Middle East and was thrilled to see this little gem of a book, The Olive Tree.  I lived in the Middle East for 5 years and one of things that intrigued me was that for any problem, there was always a beautiful story with a life’s lesson to be told.  This book is a prime example of how things taking place in today’s world can be simplified into something that a child can grasp and make their own. 

The story is about a boy, Sameer, who is from Lebanon.  His neighbors left when the war began and when the news spread that they were returning home, he wished and wished that they would have a son to play with.  As it turns out, they have a daughter, Muna.  Sameer and Muna just don’t see eye-to-eye, especially when it comes to the prized olive tree that resides on Muna’s property.  Even though the olive tree drops its delicious fruit on Sameer’s side of the wall that separates their homes, Muna insists that the fruit belongs to her family.  It takes a horrific storm to bring the two children together.  Through their journey, they learn tolerance and compassion, which ultimately results in a beautiful friendship. 

 

Cool Flip-Flopping Tip:  Parents can download a coloring page from this book. 

This is a book that I recommend reading with your children.  It creates goodwill and tolerance, showing us all how to be caring and supportive of others by example.   

Available at major bookstores and online retailers.

The Olive Tree

Written by Elsa Marston and Illustrated by Claire Ewart
Publisher:  Wisdom Tales Press
ISBN: 978-1937786298
List price: $16.95 USD
Pages: 32
Category:  Juvenile Picturebook/ Multi-Cultural
Ages 4-8 years

 Rated 5/5 flip flops!

 

Sample of the beautiful illustrations in The Olive Tree