Friends and neighbors Yaffa and Fatima lead similar lives in the Land of Milk and Honey. They both make a living selling dates from their groves at the market. They prepare meals and eat dinner together, and they always greet one another cheerfully. “Shalom! Peace!” calls Yaffa, and Fatima responds, “Salaam! Peace!” Both women follow God’s teachings, and they both pray—Yaffa in a synagogue, and Fatima in a mosque. Although the two women belong to different faith traditions, the parallels between their religious practices are apparent. More importantly, the two women care for one another, sharing values and a generous spirit. When dates are scarce one year, each worries that the other may be hungry and quietly adds a portion of her dates to her friend’s basket. Simple, repetitive text and side-by-side illustrations reinforce the message of embracing one another despite, and because of, our differences—a message that has great weight in this Israeli setting. (Ages 3-7)

Two neighbors--one Jewish, one Muslim--have always been best friends. When they both fall on hard times, can they find a way to help each other? In Fawzia Gilani's retelling of this folktale--which has both Jewish and Arab origins--differences are not always causes for conflict and friendship can overcome any obstacle.