MY OLIVE TREE

A Palestinian child learns why olive trees are so special.

Salam’s Sido (Arabic for Grandfather) explains that olive trees are “strong and resilient, and their roots run deep in this land.” The trees connect the entire community, from Samir, the farmer who picks the olives, to Teta Dalal, who serves them to her visitors each afternoon. Salam plants an olive tree, too, and waits weeks for it to grow. Salam and Sido are thrilled to see a small sprout emerging. But one day soldiers arrive, destroying everything—including the tiny olive tree. Sido comforts Salam, and at his urging, their friends and neighbors plant more trees: “Just like the olive trees, we are part of this land,” he says. “And just like the olive trees, when they try to break us, we grow back stronger.” Elbayya’s simple, direct language pairs well with her sepia-toned, loose-lined cartoons, capturing Salam’s childish exuberance, the relationship between grandfather and grandchild, and the resilience of the community. Though tinged with a whimsical flair—the sun smiles as Salam plants the tree, a helpful little bird appears throughout—the scenes turn grim as the soldiers arrive. While the author’s note expands on the significance of olive trees to the Palestinian people, neither the backmatter nor the story itself explains who the soldiers are or why they’ve come; with historical context from educators or caregivers, however, this tale could be a starting point for further discussion.

A moving tale about the power of community and love.