The Gift of Eid

Safadi and Jaleel retool “The Gift of the Magi” in this moving picture book, recasting O. Henry’s characters as a grieving mother and child. Stepping through the arch of Souq Al-Hamidiyeh, young narrator Yasmine wonders what to give Mama for Eid following the death of Baba. Soon, Yasmine sells a beloved gold chain in order to buy a heart-shaped jewelry box to hold Mama’s bracelet—a bracelet that Mama sells to buy a heart locket to dangle from Yasmine’s chain. The two exchange their gifts at the Umayyad Masjid of Damascus, illustrated in lush jewel tones. In a story that focuses on the strong emotional bonds that inspired the ill-fated gift-giving, the pair realize they have all the love they need. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)