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Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
The Promise is a picture book by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams with illustrations by Cinzia Battistel. Set in a village in Morocco, it’s inspired by a true story. Jacob, a Jewish boy, and Hassan, a Muslim boy, are friends and often play in Jacob’s family garden. Their mothers send treats to the other’s family, and the families share tea in the garden every week. The boys promise to care for the garden together and they do, until Jacob’s family must leave for fear that the persecution of Jews in Europe will spread. As the village bids farewell to the family, Jacob asks Hassan to care for the garden, and Hassan promises that he will. Will Hassan keep his promise, and will Jacob ever return?
In The Promise, Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams give us a touching story of true friendship that manifests itself in the welcoming lushness and cool shade of a Spanish-style garden and the heartfelt prayers and promises that it represents. The full-color illustrations are delightful. They not only capture the sincere warmth and respectfulness between the two families but also the soothing beauty of the garden itself. The Promise is an inspirational message about neighborliness, friendship, and religious amity that we all need to hear, and it provides an opportunity for parents of any background to introduce these concepts to their young ones. The true story that inspired the book is included as well. A wonderful addition to any home or school library for young readers.
