The Gift of Eid

December 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-Inspired by the classic O. Henry story "Gift of the Magi," this sweet picture book offers a glimpse into daily life in Syria and a lesson on the importance of family. A young girl named Yasmine is shopping at the market with her mother on the eve of their first Eid holiday since Yasmine's father died. When Yasmine's mom asks what she wants for an Eid gift, Yasmine thinks, "I'd rather hear Mama's tinkling laugh than the jingle of jewelry." In poetic language that captures the emotion of the moment and the love between mother and daughter, Safadi portrays Yasmine's journey through the market to find the perfect gift to make her mother smile again. The tale offers glimpses into daily life in Syria, including the various souq vendors and call to prayer at the masjid. The digital illustrations also faithfully capture the characteristic architecture of these settings in warm browns and blues. Ultimately, the story is less about Eid traditions and more about the spirit of family mattering more than material items. Hence, this book has wide appeal outside the bounds of library holiday collections. VERDICT A solid choice for libraries, especially those looking to expand their Arab heritage representation.-Maria Bohan

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 2, 2024
Safadi and Jaleel retool “The Gift of the Magi” in this moving picture book, recasting O. Henry’s characters as a grieving mother and child. Stepping through the arch of Souq Al-Hamidiyeh, young narrator Yasmine wonders what to give Mama for Eid following the death of Baba. Soon, Yasmine sells a beloved gold chain in order to buy a heart-shaped jewelry box to hold Mama’s bracelet—a bracelet that Mama sells to buy a heart locket to dangle from Yasmine’s chain. The two exchange their gifts at the Umayyad Masjid of Damascus, illustrated in lush jewel tones. In a story that focuses on the strong emotional bonds that inspired the ill-fated gift-giving, the pair realize they have all the love they need. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8.

January 15, 2025
In this retelling of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," a child searches for the perfect Eid present. Yasmine is preoccupied as Mama shops for za'atar and sfeeha at Souq al-Hamidiyeh in Damascus. The marketplace's arched ceiling reminds Yasmine of Baba, who used to pretend the openings were twinkling stars; he traced constellations while Mama shopped. But now that Baba's no longer here, "they look like empty holes." Yasmine muses on the perfect gift to make Mama smile again--and decides upon a heart-shaped jewelry box, just big enough for Mama to store her bracelet in. Unfortunately, Yasmine doesn't have enough money, so the child sells a beloved gold chain. After prayers at the Masjid al-Umawi, Yasmine excitedly hands Mama the gift; Mama in turn gives Yasmine a heart-shaped locket. Just as Yasmine sold the chain to buy the jewelry box, Mama sold her bracelet to buy Yasmine's present. They realize that their love for each other is the greatest gift of all. Incorporating the sights and sounds of a bustling Syrian market, this charming tale is rich in cultural details. Relying on repeated references to hearts, Safadi tells a story of loss, woven with the healing power of love. Jaleel's arabesque illustrations showcase a lively marketplace that contrasts with the simplicity and tranquility of the mosque. A tender tale of love, sacrifice, and hope. (author's note)(Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from February 1, 2025
Preschool-Grade 3 *Starred Review* In this touching retelling of "The Gift of the Magi" set in Syria, a young girl and her mother present the perfect Eid gifts to each other. Entering through the grand archway of Souq Al-Hamidiyeh, the largest shopping center in Damascus, Yasmine wistfully remembers how she and her father would imagine that the circles in the metal ceiling were twinkling stars. Simply stated, poignant comments allude to the family's recent loss and grief: "But without him, they look like empty holes." Having limited funds, the child looks around the stores and selflessly sells a prized possession to buy something special in hopes of making her mama happy. Meeting up with each other at the Umayyad Mosque for sunset prayer, Yasmine and her mother exchange gifts and realize joy is to be found in the thoughtfulness behind the giving, rather than in the material. Jaleel's atmospheric digital illustrations bring to life the bustling activity in the souq, with stalls full of many goods for sale, like beautiful fabric, colorful spices, and wooden mosaic jewelry boxes. An author's note shares personal experiences and reflections. Tenderly presented, A Gift of Eid is a warm holiday offering.

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