The Gift of Eid

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.