My baby jsut turned 6 months old, and lately, I’ve been caught up in the excitement of her starting solids ~ chatting about mashed avocado, sweet potatoes, and which flavors she might love most. It’s a milestone I’ve been looking forward to, one full of joy, mess, and memories.

But then it hits me: how is it that I get to choose from an abundance of foods and lovingly prepare each bite for my baby, while families in Gaza have nothing to feed their children at all? How is it that one child gets to explore new tastes in a high chair surrounded by love, while another wastes away from starvation under the weight of war?

Babies and children in Gaza are dying because food and humanitarian aid are being withheld by the Israeli government. No parent should ever have to witness their child starve to death in their arms.

So we must speak up.
We must advocate.

Call your representatives.
Donate to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
Let aid in.

And while the violence may feel impossible to explain to our youngest ones, stories offer us a place to begin. Below is a curated list of picture books about Palestine ~ books that center Palestinian voices, culture, and history. Use them as entry points to talk with your children about what’s happening.

Because every child deserves to be fed.
Every child deserves to be free.

Picture Books on Palestine

Find the full list on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below.

Everything Grows in Jido’s Garden by Jenan Matari | A young girl learns more than just how to care for fig trees: she discovers identity, belonging, and the power of connection. Though her family was displaced from their Palestinian homeland years ago, Jiddo shows her that tending a garden can root them in love, memory, and hope until they can return.

These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh | Set in 1967 Nablus, Palestine, this powerful picture book follows young Oraib, who treasures the olive trees near her refugee camp. Each year, she helps her mother harvest and press the olives, connecting deeply with her family’s land and heritage. When war forces them to flee once again, Oraib makes a heartfelt promise to the trees: their legacy ~ and her people’s connection to the land ~ will endure.

Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz | Every Friday after Jummah prayer, Musa’s family celebrates with a special treat, but the weekly picks haven’t exactly gone as planned. From molokhia teeth to burnt kebabs and surprise jellybeans, Musa’s turn has to go better. He chooses his favorite ~ halal hot dogs! ~ but between unexpected delays and hilarious hurdles, will Musa ever get to enjoy his long-awaited treat?

We Are Palestinian by Reem Kassis | A vibrant celebration of Palestinian culture, history, and identity. This nonfiction picture book introduces young readers to everything from traditional foods and folklore to iconic symbols like tatreez embroidery and the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish.

Sitti’s Secrets by Naomi Shihab Nye | The tender story of a young Palestinian American girl named Mona who visits her grandmother, or Sitti, in a small village across the world. Though they don’t share a spoken language, the two connect through love, gestures, and shared experiences. As they learn about each other’s lives, Mona discovers a deep bond that distance cannot erase.

My Name is Palestine by Nadine Foty | Follows a young Palestinian superhero with a magical eye that envisions a Free Palestine. When she discovers a special return key hidden in a treasure chest, she embarks on a mission to share her magical power with all the children, offering hope, strength, and the dream of return.

Jenin and the Precious Palestine Pie by Nadine Foty | A powerful children’s story about the Nakba, told through the eyes of a young baker. When Jenin’s precious pie ~ and later, her entire shop ~ is stolen by Sam, she is heartbroken. But the secret recipe of her homeland, Palestine, holds the key to reclaiming what is rightfully hers: her pie, her shop, and her land.

Sitti’s Bird: A Gaza Story by Malak Mattar | Based on the real-life experiences of Palestinian artist Malak Mattar. It follows a young girl named Malak who lives in Gaza, where life is full of joy, school, ocean play, and family visits ~ until war disrupts everything. As bombs fall and fear settles in, Malak finds comfort and strength through painting.

Eleven Words for Love by Randa Abdel-Fattah | Follows a family forced to flee their homeland with only a single suitcase. As they journey toward safety, the eldest child reflects on the precious memories inside that suitcase~photo albums that capture the many forms of love in Arabic. From comforting friendships to the ache of longing, the story explores eleven distinct expressions of love that have shaped the family’s life.

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck | A tender, autobiographical picture book that follows three young girls as they listen to their father’s bedtime stories about his homeland ~ Palestine. Through his vivid memories, the sights, sounds, and scents of Jerusalem come alive, connecting his daughters to a place they’ve never visited.

Counting Up the Olive Tree by Golbarg Bashi | Invites young readers to practice counting while learning about Palestinian culture and values. This story uses playful rhymes and vibrant art to teach numbers through the lens of community, cooperation, and life around the olive tree ~ a powerful symbol of resilience and peace in Palestine.

Mama in Congress by Rashida Tlaib | The inspiring true story of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib through the eyes of her sons. When Yousif wonders if the president is now his mom’s boss, his brother Adam helps explain their mom’s journey ~ from growing up in Detroit in a large immigrant family to becoming one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress.

Hilwa’s Gifts by Safa Suleiman | When Ali visits Palestine during olive harvest season, his grandfather introduces him to Hilwa, a beloved olive tree with many gifts to share. As the family gathers to harvest olives, press oil, and enjoy a picnic under Hilwa’s branches, Ali learns about the deep-rooted traditions passed down through generations.

P is for Palestine by Golbard Bashi | An alphabet picture book that introduces young readers to Palestinian culture, heritage, and history through each letter of the alphabet. From A for Arabic to Z for za’atar, every page invites children to explore traditions, places, and values that shape Palestinian identity.

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh | Falasteen is puzzled when she can’t find her family’s homeland on a map at school. Seeking answers, she turns to her loved ones, who share stories that help her understand her Palestinian identity, history, and the meaning of home.

Mariam’s Dream by Leila Boukarim | An inspiring story about a woman living in a refugee camp who dares to believe in a better future. When Mariam decides to start a food business, she faces countless obstacles ~ lack of money, missing paperwork, and voices telling her she can’t. But with determination and the support of the women around her, Mariam shows that one person’s dream can uplift an entire community.

Young Palestinians Speak by Anthony Robinson | This book gives voice to Palestinian children and youth living under Israeli occupation today. Through their own words, young people from across Palestine share what daily life is like under military control, describing checkpoints, fear, restrictions, and their hopes for freedom.

Lana Makes Purple Pizza by Amanda Najib | Follow spirited Lana as she learns to make Msakhan, a traditional Palestinian dish she calls “purple pizza”, with her mother. Along the way, she discovers the joy of cooking, the richness of her heritage, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.

Amina’s Wish by Elissar Saleh | Amina dreams of a world filled with thriving olive groves, safe places to play, and shared family meals. This gentle, hopeful story celebrates resilience, love, and the promise of a brighter future.