Picture Book Hour! Bridget Hodder with Victoria J. Coe: The Promise

Picture Book Hour! Bridget Hodder with Victoria J. Coe: The Promise

Sunday, October 08, 2023 - 10:30AM ET
Event address: 
Brookline Booksmith
279 Harvard Street
Coolidge Corner
Brookline, MA 02446-2908

In person at Brookline Booksmith! Join us for an all-ages storytime with Bridget Hodder, author of The Promise, joined by Victoria J. Coe.

 

Register for the event!

RSVP to let us know you're coming! Depending on the volume of responses, an RSVP may be required for entrance to the event. You will also be alerted to important details about the program, including safety requirements, cancellations, and book signing updates.

The Promise

In this touching new story, a Muslim boy takes care of a beloved garden for his Jewish friend who is forced to flee Morocco during WWII.

In a Moroccan village, a Jewish boy and a Muslim boy are best friends. Jacob and Hassan play together every day in the cool shade of Jacob’s family garden. They take care of the garden together, watching the roses and the orange trees grow tall. When news of terrible things happening to Jews in Europe reaches their little village, Jacob’s family must leave Morocco. Hassan promises to care for their beloved garden. “While the garden lives, our friendship will never die,” Jacob says. Years pass until, one day, the prayer of the garden is answered.

Based on a true story, Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams’ new picture book, The Promise highlights the love that unites a Jewish and Muslim boy during both times of peace and times of struggle. A timeless tale of quiet heroism and the power of friendship to transcend differences (and distances), complete with beautiful watercolor illustrations from Cinzia Battistel, this moving story will appeal to readers of all ages.

Bridget Hodder is the Sephardic Jewish author of the middle grade fairytale The Rat Prince, and co-author of the middle grade fantasy The Button Box, with Fawzia Gilani-Williams. Bridget's work often highlights the power of enduring interfaith friendship. Learn more at: http://bridgethodder.com/

Moderator Victoria J. Coe’s books for middle grade readers include the Global Read Aloud and One School, One Book favorite Fenway and Hattie as well as three Fenway and Hattie sequels. Make Way for Fenway! is her first chapter book series. Connect with her online at victoriajcoe.com

About Brookline Booksmith

We are one of New England’s premier independent bookstores, family-owned and locally run since 1961. We offer an extensive selection of new, used, and bargain books; unique, beautiful gifts; award-winning events series; and specialty foods. Every day, we strive to foster community through the written word, represent a diverse range of voices and histories, and inspire conversations that enrich our lives. Find more at brooklinebooksmith.com!

 

EVENT ACCESSIBILITY

This event will take place at street level. ASL interpretation may be provided (based on the availability of interpreters) but must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance of the event. Seats are limited. Please email us at tickets@brooklinebooksmith.com as soon as possible if you require ASL interpretation, guaranteed seating, or other accommodations. We will do our best to serve your needs!