What do you think?
Rate this book
The Promise
A garden is a prayer. It is also a promise. 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. Inspired by a true story.
24 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2023
1973 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Hodder
6 books91 followersI'm a dreamer and a do-gooder. When I realized (around age 9) that my efforts to make this world a better place were falling pretty flat, I decided to make up entirely different, better worlds of my own, and ask readers to join me there.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 9, 2023
The Promise
by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani Williams
The Promise is story of two friends, set during the time when there was a peaceful coexistence of Jewish and Muslims in Morocco. The story revolves around Hassan a Muslim boy and Jacob his Jewish friend in Al-Azan in Morocco.
Hassan and Jacob were best friends. They enjoyed playing together in Jacob’s family garden after school and petting each other’s pets.
They would visit each other’s home and would relish the delicious snacks and food prepared by their mothers.
Jacob’s garden was a favorite hanging spot, where even their families would enjoy refreshments in the evening. As their friendship grew day by day, Hassan and Jacob both vowed to keep the promise of taking care of the garden.
However, due to the growing violence against Jews in Europe, circumstances forced Jacob and his family to leave Morocco.
But the tender friendship that had grown over the years still nurtured in their hearts.
The Promise is a heartwarming story of the emotional ties between the two friends. A friendship that knows no boundaries, no religion or that is undeterred by any hate or war.
This book gives an account of the peaceful ties that once existed in the past between the two friends which led to the harmonious existence of both.
by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani Williams
The Promise is story of two friends, set during the time when there was a peaceful coexistence of Jewish and Muslims in Morocco. The story revolves around Hassan a Muslim boy and Jacob his Jewish friend in Al-Azan in Morocco.
Hassan and Jacob were best friends. They enjoyed playing together in Jacob’s family garden after school and petting each other’s pets.
They would visit each other’s home and would relish the delicious snacks and food prepared by their mothers.
Jacob’s garden was a favorite hanging spot, where even their families would enjoy refreshments in the evening. As their friendship grew day by day, Hassan and Jacob both vowed to keep the promise of taking care of the garden.
However, due to the growing violence against Jews in Europe, circumstances forced Jacob and his family to leave Morocco.
But the tender friendship that had grown over the years still nurtured in their hearts.
The Promise is a heartwarming story of the emotional ties between the two friends. A friendship that knows no boundaries, no religion or that is undeterred by any hate or war.
This book gives an account of the peaceful ties that once existed in the past between the two friends which led to the harmonious existence of both.
May 28, 2023
Published: 09/05/23
Thank you NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group, Kar-Ben Publishing for accepting my request to read and review The Promise.
Touching and tugged at my heart.
The illustrations are quite pretty. They compliment the story nicely.
The story itself in just a few short pages spans friendship from small boys to the grandfathers they become. The differences in their religious beliefs separated them through war, but their promise to each other remained true.
I liked the book and felt it was realistically fair. I would gift this.
Thank you NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group, Kar-Ben Publishing for accepting my request to read and review The Promise.
Touching and tugged at my heart.
The illustrations are quite pretty. They compliment the story nicely.
The story itself in just a few short pages spans friendship from small boys to the grandfathers they become. The differences in their religious beliefs separated them through war, but their promise to each other remained true.
I liked the book and felt it was realistically fair. I would gift this.
May 16, 2023
Oh my goodness- what a sweet story, and knowing that it was based off a true story made it even better! I loved the history, the colors, Hassan and Jacob, the friendship - all of it! Friendships last through time, religions, and ethnicities!
May 6, 2023
This book warmed my crusty soul.
When I read the description of this book, I was expecting a sweet story about how different religions can still meld and get along. I wasn’t expecting how touching this friendship was. The enchanting artwork really helped me immerse myself into Jacob and Hassan’s world. I was touched by the message: while the garden lives, our friendship will never die.
A great book.
When I read the description of this book, I was expecting a sweet story about how different religions can still meld and get along. I wasn’t expecting how touching this friendship was. The enchanting artwork really helped me immerse myself into Jacob and Hassan’s world. I was touched by the message: while the garden lives, our friendship will never die.
A great book.
May 6, 2023
This sweet story of friendship between two young boys revolves around cultivating a beautiful garden. The message is that there are are no differences where there is love. This heartwarming tale is one I'd be happy to read to my little ones.
August 8, 2023
“A garden is a promise, and a promise must be kept.”
A young Jewish boy, Jacob, and a Muslim boy, Hassan, are the best of friends. Living in their Moroccan village, Al-Azan, the two spend as much time with each other as possible. Their favorite place is Jacob’s garden, which is filled with beautiful flowers and trees. The two view the garden as a promise that must be kept and tended to. When the village gets word of the horrendous things happening to the Jewish people in Europe — soon known as the Holocaust — Jacob’s family must flee. Hassan then promises Jacob that he will take care of the garden until Jacob comes back or for the rest of Hassan’s life. As long as the garden thrives, Hassan’s and Jacob’s friendship lives on.
Based on a true story, The Promise navigates the strength and purity that comes from a friendship built on shared love and respect. Religion can be a divider amongst people, but Jacob and Hassan show it is possible to maintain their faith while also connecting with others from different religions. Not only is the story uplifting, but the art that accompanies the narrative truly brings it to life. I loved the bright colors used on every page, especially in the garden scenes. Every paint stroke was visible, giving an almost mural-like feel to the book. I liked how Cinzia Battistel took the time to expand the scenes beyond the text, showing aspects of the children’s lives that no words could capture perfectly. I also appreciated the inclusion of a historical context page that talked about the history of Judaism in Morocco as well as the story that inspired this picture book. The Promise is the perfect picture book to give to children to teach them not only the importance of a promise but also what a strong, empowering interfaith friendship looks like.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
A young Jewish boy, Jacob, and a Muslim boy, Hassan, are the best of friends. Living in their Moroccan village, Al-Azan, the two spend as much time with each other as possible. Their favorite place is Jacob’s garden, which is filled with beautiful flowers and trees. The two view the garden as a promise that must be kept and tended to. When the village gets word of the horrendous things happening to the Jewish people in Europe — soon known as the Holocaust — Jacob’s family must flee. Hassan then promises Jacob that he will take care of the garden until Jacob comes back or for the rest of Hassan’s life. As long as the garden thrives, Hassan’s and Jacob’s friendship lives on.
Based on a true story, The Promise navigates the strength and purity that comes from a friendship built on shared love and respect. Religion can be a divider amongst people, but Jacob and Hassan show it is possible to maintain their faith while also connecting with others from different religions. Not only is the story uplifting, but the art that accompanies the narrative truly brings it to life. I loved the bright colors used on every page, especially in the garden scenes. Every paint stroke was visible, giving an almost mural-like feel to the book. I liked how Cinzia Battistel took the time to expand the scenes beyond the text, showing aspects of the children’s lives that no words could capture perfectly. I also appreciated the inclusion of a historical context page that talked about the history of Judaism in Morocco as well as the story that inspired this picture book. The Promise is the perfect picture book to give to children to teach them not only the importance of a promise but also what a strong, empowering interfaith friendship looks like.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
July 27, 2023
This is such a thoughtful historical fiction picture book. I love the illustration of two different peoples of two different religions living together in one space in both harmony and respect. It's not something you see very often in society. I think this book is going to be an important read on tolerance and friendship.
May 28, 2023
The power of true friendship lasts through time and distance.
Two boys who are forever friends of differing cultures and living in a small rural area of Morocco are forced apart by world events. Even after two generations they remain committed friend awaiting reunion. Very moving and reassuring that good remains in the world.
The illustrations by Cinzia Battistel are delightful, clear, imaginative, striking, and brilliantly colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and is great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Lerner Publishing Group/Kar-Ben Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
Two boys who are forever friends of differing cultures and living in a small rural area of Morocco are forced apart by world events. Even after two generations they remain committed friend awaiting reunion. Very moving and reassuring that good remains in the world.
The illustrations by Cinzia Battistel are delightful, clear, imaginative, striking, and brilliantly colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and is great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Lerner Publishing Group/Kar-Ben Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 5, 2023
Inspired by a true story, a Jewish boy and a Muslim boy were best friends in Morocco before WWII. It is a beautiful story about enduring friendship and the message that a garden is a prayer and a promise resonates with me.
Our school district bought a copy of this book for each of its elementary libraries. I appreciate the opportunity to talk to students about this story and how it relates to current events, even though I wish with all my heart that war was not the reality for millions of children today.
Our school district bought a copy of this book for each of its elementary libraries. I appreciate the opportunity to talk to students about this story and how it relates to current events, even though I wish with all my heart that war was not the reality for millions of children today.
May 5, 2023
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group and netgalley for the chance to read The Promise by Fawzia Gilani-Williams and Bridget Hodder in exchange for an honest review.
The Promise is such a sweet story with absolutely beautiful illustrations.
An overall uplifting story about friendship, family, and a promise that lasts a lifetime.
The Promise is such a sweet story with absolutely beautiful illustrations.
An overall uplifting story about friendship, family, and a promise that lasts a lifetime.
December 25, 2024
A beautiful story of interfaith (Jewish-Muslim) friendship, ostensibly for children but really for us all.
August 25, 2023
In the small town of Al-Azar, Morocco there is a garden with a beautiful fountain, brilliant blue benches, and roses and bougainvillea that grow higher each year. In the garden there are two young boys, one Jewish, one Muslim, who spend their days playing and caring for the garden. In the garden, their families picnic together, laughing and sharing stories with one another. Together, they openly celebrate their cultures and religions, and share their pains and woes. Their small town has known love and friendship, but evil beyond Morocco’s borders threaten their Jewish neighbors, and for them to survive they must flee. Hassan makes Jacob a promise in the wake of this devastating news – he will care for his best friend’s garden in his absence.
I am always so delighted when I read an ARC book I can share with such enthusiasm; The Promise is one of those books. Each time I read it I was deeply touched by how each family loved each other so well. The mothers would dote on the boys, the fathers would bless them, and together they would share what they had. It’s a remarkably beautiful depiction inspired by a real friendship from a small village in Morocco. Hodder and Gilani-Williams do an excellent job portraying this moving, heart-wrenching story of faith, friendship, and devotion. I especially appreciated the historic note at the end which added an extra layer of depth and appreciation for older readers. The Promise details a friendship not limited by differences, but rather all the more beautiful for them. Thank you to Netgalley and Kar-Ben Publishing for the chance to review this wonderful book. The Promise is set for release September 5, and it’s one you definitely won’t want to miss.
I am always so delighted when I read an ARC book I can share with such enthusiasm; The Promise is one of those books. Each time I read it I was deeply touched by how each family loved each other so well. The mothers would dote on the boys, the fathers would bless them, and together they would share what they had. It’s a remarkably beautiful depiction inspired by a real friendship from a small village in Morocco. Hodder and Gilani-Williams do an excellent job portraying this moving, heart-wrenching story of faith, friendship, and devotion. I especially appreciated the historic note at the end which added an extra layer of depth and appreciation for older readers. The Promise details a friendship not limited by differences, but rather all the more beautiful for them. Thank you to Netgalley and Kar-Ben Publishing for the chance to review this wonderful book. The Promise is set for release September 5, and it’s one you definitely won’t want to miss.
November 10, 2025
I worry a lot these days about both revisionist history being taught to children (and sometimes parents) who aren't aware of the (often deliberate) inaccuracies; and more generally, I'm worried about children's books that teach a divisive approach, an "it's ours, not theirs" POV that sets communities against each other.
It's so important to me, and to our society, especially in these fraught times, to be teaching commonalities, and showing our children that even amongst some of the most internally contentious societies, intercultural friendship and mutual support has always existed.
"The Promise" (2023), based on a true story, illustrates friendship between a Jewish and a Muslim boy in Morocco early in the 20th century, and how those bonds can last a lifetime, even through painful separation and war. Co-written by a Sephardic Jewish and a Muslim author, they do a fabulous job of acknowledging both the cultural differences in these boys' lives and the things that connect them.
Highly recommended for families looking for a powerful and affirming story of interfaith friendship in a Middle Eastern/North African setting.
It's so important to me, and to our society, especially in these fraught times, to be teaching commonalities, and showing our children that even amongst some of the most internally contentious societies, intercultural friendship and mutual support has always existed.
"The Promise" (2023), based on a true story, illustrates friendship between a Jewish and a Muslim boy in Morocco early in the 20th century, and how those bonds can last a lifetime, even through painful separation and war. Co-written by a Sephardic Jewish and a Muslim author, they do a fabulous job of acknowledging both the cultural differences in these boys' lives and the things that connect them.
Highly recommended for families looking for a powerful and affirming story of interfaith friendship in a Middle Eastern/North African setting.
March 19, 2024
This book is well written. But it fails to mention that Andalusia and Morocco were both run by Muslims and thus considered Muslim lands.... thus, it was the Muslims who extended friendship to the Jews while Europe kicked them out.
These lands weren't equally Muslim-Jew as this book makes it seem.
This is important in current times when Zionists blatantly revise history to show no recognition of the tolerance, acceptance, and friendship Muslims showed the Jews. Zionists go on about how all the jews were forcefully kicked out of arab/muslim lands instead.
Also, it's hard for me to see how the Moroccan boy didn't have any other thoughts when his neighbor moved to a new country which forced hundreds of thousands of locals out just to begin.
If the author and readers of this book care about Muslim-Jewish friendship, they would loudly and openly call on Israel to stop bombing Palestinian children's limbs off while starving them.
These lands weren't equally Muslim-Jew as this book makes it seem.
This is important in current times when Zionists blatantly revise history to show no recognition of the tolerance, acceptance, and friendship Muslims showed the Jews. Zionists go on about how all the jews were forcefully kicked out of arab/muslim lands instead.
Also, it's hard for me to see how the Moroccan boy didn't have any other thoughts when his neighbor moved to a new country which forced hundreds of thousands of locals out just to begin.
If the author and readers of this book care about Muslim-Jewish friendship, they would loudly and openly call on Israel to stop bombing Palestinian children's limbs off while starving them.
August 8, 2023
This "review" is meant to give credit to my co-author, Fawzia Gilani, whose name does not appear on this Goodreads listing in some browsers or platforms (for tech reasons). This story of friendship was created not just by me, but by the two of us equally, together, along with the wonderful illustrator Cinzia Battistel. We hope our work will give joy and inspiration to all who read it. May the love you find on life's journey endure forever, just like Jacob and Hassan's!
Shalom & Salaam-- Bridget
Shalom & Salaam-- Bridget
September 6, 2023
The Promise is beautiful and moving. A story of friendship and loyalty. A reminder that differences are to be celebrated and bring us together, not divide us. A reminder we sorely need today!
Fair warning, read this by yourself at least once before reading to your little one - I cried. I wasn't kidding when I said its moving!
Fair warning, read this by yourself at least once before reading to your little one - I cried. I wasn't kidding when I said its moving!
September 2, 2023
I loved this story about two friends from different backgrounds! The illustrations were absolutely beautiful and the story was well told. The story tells a great message about friendship and I can't wait to buy copies of The Promise to share with my nephews!
#goodreadsgiveaway
#goodreadsgiveaway
September 5, 2023
Cute, simple story for teaching kids about friendship across different cultures/religions and keeping promises. The binding was weird (staples papers in two cover sleeves) but other than that my child enjoyed the story.
September 9, 2023
The end of this book will bring a sweet tear to your eye. This is a story about interfaith friendship. Based on a true story of two friends, one Jewish and one Muslim, The Promise shows us what is possible. It is what our world should be.
September 21, 2023
set in Morocco
beautiful and sweet
beautiful and sweet
October 4, 2023
A story of a beautiful, inter-faith friendship based on a true story.
May 11, 2023
This sweet story about an inter-faith friendship is inspired by a true story. The fictional version departs quite a bit from true events described in the author's note, but the story captures the enduring bond that a young Muslim boy and Jewish boy had with each other. The story will appeal to people who are looking for this kind of religious representation and inspiring message, and the illustrations visualize the setting in Morocco beautifully.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
May 26, 2023Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews