Review Source: Notes from an Islamic School Librarian
Book Author: Jenan Matari
This sweetly illustrated 32-page rhyming book starts off introducing a little girl living in one place and having a home in Palestine that she has never been to, but loves. The book then becomes pretty universal with her and her grandfather talking about what grows, his “green thumb superpowers,” and the magic of planting small trees that change and produce.
The pages then add in more Arabic words of what is grown, and then when Jiddo is drying his eyes recounting why he had to flee his home and his roots, I too, found I was emotionally invested in light of everything current and past, and the simple words weaving a heartfelt story of family, connection, and home. I do wish that there was some Islam in the text or illustrations: a dua, a plea to Allah swt, a hijab on a main character not just on background memories, but there is not.
There is also nothing overtly political or named in the text. The backmatter does discuss the Nakba without naming names and highlights the author’s inspiration, but inshaAllah nothing that will get the book banned or kept off shelves. The rhyme and cadence are pretty good, it doesn’t feel overly forced, but when reading aloud in a group, as always, I suggest practicing a few times to make the flow consistent. Continue reading on Notes from an Islamic School Librarian.
Find more books on this topic on our Palestine booklist.
Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden by Jenan Matari
Published by Interlink Publishing Group Incorporated on September 16, 2025
Genres: Palestine
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Grade K, Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9781623716110
Review Source: Notes from an Islamic School Librarian
Publisher's Synopsis: Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden is the story of a young Palestinian girl and her Jiddo — her Grandpa!
Jiddo’s garden is a wonder. In it grows so many amazing things — to see, smell, and taste. But helping him to tend the garden teaches this young girl about even more than fig trees. It gives her a chance to discover just who she is.
Many years ago, like so many Palestinians, her family was forced to leave their homeland. But Jiddo shows her how, until they can return, tending a garden can connect them to home — and to each other!
This heartwarming debut picture book by Jenan Matari explores themes of displacement, belonging, and an enduring connection to the land. With stunning illustrations by Aya Ghanameh, it’s a poignant celebration of love, identity and hope.
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