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The Sandwich Swap
Lily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus--but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out. Can Lily and Salma put aside their differences? Or will a sandwich come between them?
The smallest things can pull us apart — until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference. In a glorious three-page gatefold at the end of the book, Salma, Lily, and all their classmates come together in the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
The smallest things can pull us apart — until we learn that friendship is far more powerful than difference. In a glorious three-page gatefold at the end of the book, Salma, Lily, and all their classmates come together in the true spirit of tolerance and acceptance.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2010
About the author
Rania al-Abdullah
2 books56 followersHer Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah (Arabic: الملكة رانيا العبد الله Rānyā al-‘abdu l-Lāh; born Rania al Yassin) is the current Queen consort of Jordan as the wife of King Abdullah II of Jordan.
As a global figure, and considered by some to be one of the world’s most powerful women, Queen Rania has focused her energy, at home and abroad, on a variety of causes, notably education.
In Jordan, her work focuses on the caliber and quality of education for Jordanian children, while abroad she advocates for global education and for world leaders to fulfill their commitments towards the second Millennium Development Goals, Universal Primary Education.
As a global figure, and considered by some to be one of the world’s most powerful women, Queen Rania has focused her energy, at home and abroad, on a variety of causes, notably education.
In Jordan, her work focuses on the caliber and quality of education for Jordanian children, while abroad she advocates for global education and for world leaders to fulfill their commitments towards the second Millennium Development Goals, Universal Primary Education.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 666 reviews
September 7, 2020
Written by Queen Rania of Jordan, this beautiful story about tolerance was a favorite read-aloud with my young students.
April 25, 2010
I just loved this book! It’s a picture book story based on the real life of the author. When she was in nursery school she brought hummus sandwiches for lunch. One day a friend of hers was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which she thought looked revolting. She was offered a bite and took one to avoid being rude. She loved it! She says in her author’s note at the end that “It’s easy to jump to conclusions when we come across something new or foreign or strange…if we take the time to get to know each other…we learn something wonderful…want every child…to understand this…When they do, they’ll each become …someone who helps bring people of all cultures and backgrounds closer together.” (That’s probably too long a quote. Ah well.)
In this story, Lily and Salma are best friends but their different sandwiches almost come between them. The story shows how a whole group can get involved in intolerance. The story is so engaging and funny and sweet. I love its resolution, although I do admit I did have concern for children who have special diets for religious or ethical reasons or because of allergies, etc. issues. I do love that the 2 sandwiches focused on could be/seem to be vegan. And, the friendship story is marvelous; all elementary school students are likely to identify with it.
I adore the illustrations in this book. They’re in such a “friendly” style and such a wonderful complement to the story. I enjoyed seeing from one of the pictures that Lily is left handed, which isn’t mentioned in the story. I love that the language used is “kids’ language” and that the feelings and beliefs of the children make sense.
When I was in sixth grade we were each paired up with first graders. One of the little girls apparently felt out of place because she was one of the few Chinese American students in the school. One day both grades got together and we all made and ate (Americanized, though I didn’t know it at the time) Chinese food, and just about all of us loved it, and some of the students had never eaten it before that day. This book kind of reminded me of that experience, of learning a bit about a culture through their delicious food. Of course, in this story, Lily and Salma are best friends before they allow their different lunch contents to temporarily get in their way.
This book has a lovely message, a very interesting and amusing story, and illustrations that I really enjoyed. I don’t care a whit that it’s didactic. The story stands on its own even without the blatant message. Anyway, some messages deserve to be pushed!
This would make a wonderful gift, especially for early elementary school age girls, and if I was in buying mode, I’d consider getting myself a copy to share with the kids I know. This is one very worthy “celebrity author” book.
In this story, Lily and Salma are best friends but their different sandwiches almost come between them. The story shows how a whole group can get involved in intolerance. The story is so engaging and funny and sweet. I love its resolution, although I do admit I did have concern for children who have special diets for religious or ethical reasons or because of allergies, etc. issues. I do love that the 2 sandwiches focused on could be/seem to be vegan. And, the friendship story is marvelous; all elementary school students are likely to identify with it.
I adore the illustrations in this book. They’re in such a “friendly” style and such a wonderful complement to the story. I enjoyed seeing from one of the pictures that Lily is left handed, which isn’t mentioned in the story. I love that the language used is “kids’ language” and that the feelings and beliefs of the children make sense.
When I was in sixth grade we were each paired up with first graders. One of the little girls apparently felt out of place because she was one of the few Chinese American students in the school. One day both grades got together and we all made and ate (Americanized, though I didn’t know it at the time) Chinese food, and just about all of us loved it, and some of the students had never eaten it before that day. This book kind of reminded me of that experience, of learning a bit about a culture through their delicious food. Of course, in this story, Lily and Salma are best friends before they allow their different lunch contents to temporarily get in their way.
This book has a lovely message, a very interesting and amusing story, and illustrations that I really enjoyed. I don’t care a whit that it’s didactic. The story stands on its own even without the blatant message. Anyway, some messages deserve to be pushed!
This would make a wonderful gift, especially for early elementary school age girls, and if I was in buying mode, I’d consider getting myself a copy to share with the kids I know. This is one very worthy “celebrity author” book.
May 19, 2010
A heartwarming story: like peanut butter and jelly, it is sweet and savory; like hummus on pita, is hearty with a dash of spice. This is the tale of two friends, both with different backgrounds, but that never seems to matter to their young, innocent hearts. One day, though, their differences come to a head in a deceptively innocuous way: each girl privately thinks her friend's lunch is weird and, well, gross. When they finally admit this out loud, not only does their friendship teeter in the blow-up, but soon the entire school is picking sides. Suddenly, two kindred spirits are divided over PB&J and hummus-on-pita! Eventually, they come to realize how silly they have been and I just love the way they come to realize the similarities about their lunches and how the parents and love comes into play. Also, the solution for getting the school to be more accepting is just wonderful! The illustrations fit the story perfectly. A real winner! I loved it!
September 2, 2010
I was very pleasantly surprised by this one, as celebrity authors generally do not put out amazing literature, and Rania Al-Abdullah is, in fact, Queen of Jordan.
Queen.
Woah.
Lily and Salma are best friends. They love to do everything together--jump rope, draw picture, and eat lunch together. Every day Lily brings a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. Salma secretly thinks it looks and smells disgusting. Every day Salma brings hummus in pita bread for lunch. Lily secretly thinks it looks disgusting. The trouble begins when Lily tells Salma what she thinks about her hummus lunch. Salma is not amused and returns the 'favor'. And as with many disagreements between both children and adults (and nations, for that matter), things escalate from a petty disagreement to name-calling and ugly actions by a crowd greater than those who were originally involved.
#1 thing this book has going for it: Tricia Tusa's illustrations. Love
#2: Kelly DiPucchio's writing help.
All-together, this ends up being quite nicely done, and will be a great discussion-starter in the classroom. The last spread just might inspire some excellent classroom meals, as well.
Lily and Salma are best friends. They love to do everything together--jump rope, draw picture, and eat lunch together. Every day Lily brings a peanut butter sandwich for lunch. Salma secretly thinks it looks and smells disgusting. Every day Salma brings hummus in pita bread for lunch. Lily secretly thinks it looks disgusting. The trouble begins when Lily tells Salma what she thinks about her hummus lunch. Salma is not amused and returns the 'favor'. And as with many disagreements between both children and adults (and nations, for that matter), things escalate from a petty disagreement to name-calling and ugly actions by a crowd greater than those who were originally involved.
#1 thing this book has going for it: Tricia Tusa's illustrations. Love
#2: Kelly DiPucchio's writing help.
All-together, this ends up being quite nicely done, and will be a great discussion-starter in the classroom. The last spread just might inspire some excellent classroom meals, as well.
April 25, 2010
This is a very lovely little story meant to teach children about the joys to be gained through tolerance and understanding. The girls in the story are very close friends, but are initially horrified by the disgusting food the other is forced to eat for lunch every day, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the redhead and a hummus and pita sandwich for the dark-haired girl. And one day their feelings come out into the open. Only instead of being curious and open, they let their tempers get a hold of them and the food literally starts to fly.
The very simple story is rated for children ages 3-7. It certainly will be understandable to children between those ages, but I think their older brothers and sisters will also enjoy the story, and perhaps relate to it even more after having had their own school experiences to reinforce the message. Every kid has something that makes them different, and those differences are usually interesting and fun if we take the time to understand them. Reading this book together might also be a good opportunity to have a little discussion with the kids about the deeper meaning behind the story about international peace and understanding. Of course international politics are not quite as simple as kindergarten spats. But its also good for grown-ups to remember that the emotions behind kindergarten spats can hurt just as deeply to the little hearts involved. And maybe we can learn something from the kids' forgiving natures as well.
The watercolor illustrations in this book are really lovely, with lot of energy and emotion. They're the kind I would have just pored over as a kid, enjoying every little detail.
It is a bit funny to have a children's book recommended on the back cover by President Clinton, Maria Shriver and Melinda Gates. I don't think this book will in and of itself create world peace, but it's certainly a lovely step in the right direction. Queen Rania based the story on something that happened to her when she first went to an international school as a child. I saw her discuss the book on a TV interview and she said that she is a big fan of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to this day.
The very simple story is rated for children ages 3-7. It certainly will be understandable to children between those ages, but I think their older brothers and sisters will also enjoy the story, and perhaps relate to it even more after having had their own school experiences to reinforce the message. Every kid has something that makes them different, and those differences are usually interesting and fun if we take the time to understand them. Reading this book together might also be a good opportunity to have a little discussion with the kids about the deeper meaning behind the story about international peace and understanding. Of course international politics are not quite as simple as kindergarten spats. But its also good for grown-ups to remember that the emotions behind kindergarten spats can hurt just as deeply to the little hearts involved. And maybe we can learn something from the kids' forgiving natures as well.
The watercolor illustrations in this book are really lovely, with lot of energy and emotion. They're the kind I would have just pored over as a kid, enjoying every little detail.
It is a bit funny to have a children's book recommended on the back cover by President Clinton, Maria Shriver and Melinda Gates. I don't think this book will in and of itself create world peace, but it's certainly a lovely step in the right direction. Queen Rania based the story on something that happened to her when she first went to an international school as a child. I saw her discuss the book on a TV interview and she said that she is a big fan of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to this day.
April 14, 2020
The principal of my children's school sent a video of herself reading aloud this story. We are reading aloud to each other a lot during this quarantine, and it was nice to have someone else to read to us.
Great story and beautiful illustrations. Just one note: No peanut butter sandwich swap at school! Never!
Great story and beautiful illustrations. Just one note: No peanut butter sandwich swap at school! Never!
February 22, 2011
Let me start my review by saying this could be one of my favorite books of ALL time! The Sandwich Shop is based upon the true story of the author's experience in school, Rania Al-Abdullah. The two friends in the book are inseparable and spend all of their free time at school by each others side, including lunch. The girls notice they have different sandwiches packed in their lunch pales each day--peanut butter and hummus. They begin to argue over who has the tastier sandwich, and things instantly go out of control in their relationship, and ever the relationship of the whole class--students begin to pick sides in the peanut butter and hummus debate, ultimately resulting in a division of the class. After rounds of poking fun and teasing, the girls realize they have never even tasted the opposing sandwich, and decide to reach an agreement with each other when they "swap" sandwiches at lunch time. To their surprise, they love each others lunch and plan a whole day for their class to bring in their favorite cultural foods for everybody to enjoy. This book is great when promoting class differences in culture; this can motivate children to learn about their peers and not to judge their classmates because they are different. This would be a great read for the first day of school in order to encourage students to get to know one another and their culture. A must have and must read for all--especially primary classrooms :)
June 22, 2010
I originally checked out this book for my 2 year old niece and Storytime. However, the due date was approaching so I decided to read it for myself.
Of course, its beyond a "quick and easy" read since its geared towards nursery school and elementary-aged children, but the lesson is one that we as adults can all learn from.
Favorite quote:
"It's easy to jump to conclusions when we come across something new or foreign or strange. But if we take the time to get to know each other, stand in each other's shoes and listen to a different point of view, we learn something wonderful--about someone else and about ourselves."
-Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah (The Sandwich Swap)
Well put.
Of course, its beyond a "quick and easy" read since its geared towards nursery school and elementary-aged children, but the lesson is one that we as adults can all learn from.
Favorite quote:
"It's easy to jump to conclusions when we come across something new or foreign or strange. But if we take the time to get to know each other, stand in each other's shoes and listen to a different point of view, we learn something wonderful--about someone else and about ourselves."
-Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah (The Sandwich Swap)
Well put.
September 16, 2010
This is a wonderful tale about tolerance and expanding your horizons, all under the context of trading a sandwich. It's a simple tale that children will understand, but has a deeper, more meaningful theme that parents will appreciate.
This story was selected as one of the books for the February 2012 - Friendship reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This story was selected as one of the books for the February 2012 - Friendship reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
November 3, 2018
In this sweet picture-book about the importance of accepting our friends for who they are, and giving new things a try, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, and her co-author Kelly DiPucchio present an engaging and humorous story that quietly highlights the ways in which personal disagreements and hurt feelings can escalate into broader conflicts, and how a greater degree of sensitivity, when it comes to differences of all kinds, can help to diffuse such conflicts. The story of two friends, Lily and Salma, who share everything except for their favorite sandwiches (peanut-butter-and-jelly and hummus-with-pita), and who almost cease to be friends, after a thoughtless comment sparks an argument (one which spreads in turn to the entire school) it concludes with a culinary cross-cultural exchange that gives each girl something new and delightful to savor.
Of course not all cultural conflicts are as easily resolved as this (and many of them run quite a bit deeper than what to eat), but the authors have presented an important idea in The Sandwich Swap, and clothed it in circumstances - schoolyard friendships and fights - with which young readers will be intimately familiar. They have done so, moreover, with humor, subtly emphasizing the absurdity of many of the so-called 'cultural' conflicts of our day. I particularly appreciated the fact that, for both Salma and Lily, the argument about their respective sandwiches is really about so much more, and also involves the love they feel for the parents who made their sandwiches. Isn't it often the case that arguments are rarely just about the actual 'subject' at hand...?
In any case, The Sandwich Swap is just an engaging tale of friendship and tolerance, one whose charm is accentuated by the appealing (and likewise humorous) artwork of Tricia Tusa. All in all, it's just a winner! I don't normally read celebrity children's books (and I include royalty in that category), but I'd make an exception for her majesty, if she ever brought out another picture-book.
Of course not all cultural conflicts are as easily resolved as this (and many of them run quite a bit deeper than what to eat), but the authors have presented an important idea in The Sandwich Swap, and clothed it in circumstances - schoolyard friendships and fights - with which young readers will be intimately familiar. They have done so, moreover, with humor, subtly emphasizing the absurdity of many of the so-called 'cultural' conflicts of our day. I particularly appreciated the fact that, for both Salma and Lily, the argument about their respective sandwiches is really about so much more, and also involves the love they feel for the parents who made their sandwiches. Isn't it often the case that arguments are rarely just about the actual 'subject' at hand...?
In any case, The Sandwich Swap is just an engaging tale of friendship and tolerance, one whose charm is accentuated by the appealing (and likewise humorous) artwork of Tricia Tusa. All in all, it's just a winner! I don't normally read celebrity children's books (and I include royalty in that category), but I'd make an exception for her majesty, if she ever brought out another picture-book.
October 24, 2016
This book is an absolute gem! It's about best friends who do everything together at school. They draw, swing, play and of course eat together. However, they both pack very different items in their lunches. One brings a PB&J while the other brings a hummus & pita sandwich. Both girls feel sorry for each other. How could their friend possibly each such a strange, gross concoction? They finally ask one another about it and get into quite a heated argument that eventually has the entire school choosing sides. The girls finally recognize how silly and absurd they are being and decide to simply try one another's sandwiches.
That final fold out page is fantastic!! This story is about friendship, accepting cultural differences and finding logical solutions. Needless to say, it's a wonderful discussion starter!!!
That final fold out page is fantastic!! This story is about friendship, accepting cultural differences and finding logical solutions. Needless to say, it's a wonderful discussion starter!!!
June 11, 2013
Such a cute story about the importance of embracing other people's cultures. Yes, embracing, not tolerating. I never liked that word, "tolerance". It has a negative ring to it, as if you should learn to live with people that are different from you, and that's all. I also happen to be a big fan of the author, Queen Rania of Jordan. She is an inspiration for girls everywhere, as evident in the message she is sending to children in this adorable book. My little sister loved this book, and I'm sure any child (or child at heart) can appreciate it too.
August 9, 2010
Lily and Salma are best friends. They do a lot of things together very happily. But one thing they did’t agree on was the sandwiches they had for lunch. Lily brought peanut butter and jelly on white bread every day. Salma brought hummus on pita bread every day. Each girl thought that the other girl must be suffering eating that icky looking sandwich every day. One day, Lily blurted out what she thought of Salma’s sandwich and then, feeling very angry, Salma told Lily that her sandwich looked gross and smelled bad. The two girls didn’t play together that day. Their argument started a larger one in their school and then a food fight! The next day, they sat together and each offered the other a taste of their sandwich which once again led to the whole school getting involved.
The writing in the book has a delightful rhythm to it, using nicely subtle repetition to underline how similar the girls are even in their differences. The glimpses of their home life as each girl thinks about how their sandwich is made by loving hands adds a lot to the story as well. Tusa’s illustrations are done in her signature style with plenty of emotion. They also have a lovely interplay of white space and color washes that make them eye catching and work well when placed with little text or a page filled with text.
Highly recommended, this book is ideal to start a discussion of differences in a classroom, especially cultural ones. I love that the book uses food to bring children together, because it can be such an ambassador for different cultures and even different families in the same culture. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
The writing in the book has a delightful rhythm to it, using nicely subtle repetition to underline how similar the girls are even in their differences. The glimpses of their home life as each girl thinks about how their sandwich is made by loving hands adds a lot to the story as well. Tusa’s illustrations are done in her signature style with plenty of emotion. They also have a lovely interplay of white space and color washes that make them eye catching and work well when placed with little text or a page filled with text.
Highly recommended, this book is ideal to start a discussion of differences in a classroom, especially cultural ones. I love that the book uses food to bring children together, because it can be such an ambassador for different cultures and even different families in the same culture. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
October 8, 2016
Suitable grades: Kindergarten-Grade 2
Theme/Topics: Kindness, respect, cultural diversity
Opening: It all began with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...and it ended with a hummus sandwich.
Brief Synopsis: Selma and Lily were best friends and they were always together, doing same things. They are different in the way they eat. Selma eats a hummus and pita sandwich while Lily eats a PBJ sandwich every day for lunch. Both friends say some hurtful things about each other’s lunch which pulls them apart. Things worsen when their classmates start taking sides and get into a food fight. Suddenly they realize that they didn’t even try each other’s food. Once they do, they instantly love it and become friends again.
Links to resources: SEL activity (look at positive and negative actions), hummus recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo..., writing activity: how would you feel if this happened to you? What are your thoughts on this?
Why I like this book: This book was able to show how hurtful it can be when someone isn’t careful with their actions and words. I like this book because it showed positive and negative actions. I think it’s beneficial for students to see what both look like because then it shows them consequences of both. Overall, I really appreciate that this book acknowledged the differences between cultures in our classroom. It helps parents realize that it’s a topic they must address with their children so they are aware of their surroundings.
Theme/Topics: Kindness, respect, cultural diversity
Opening: It all began with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...and it ended with a hummus sandwich.
Brief Synopsis: Selma and Lily were best friends and they were always together, doing same things. They are different in the way they eat. Selma eats a hummus and pita sandwich while Lily eats a PBJ sandwich every day for lunch. Both friends say some hurtful things about each other’s lunch which pulls them apart. Things worsen when their classmates start taking sides and get into a food fight. Suddenly they realize that they didn’t even try each other’s food. Once they do, they instantly love it and become friends again.
Links to resources: SEL activity (look at positive and negative actions), hummus recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo..., writing activity: how would you feel if this happened to you? What are your thoughts on this?
Why I like this book: This book was able to show how hurtful it can be when someone isn’t careful with their actions and words. I like this book because it showed positive and negative actions. I think it’s beneficial for students to see what both look like because then it shows them consequences of both. Overall, I really appreciate that this book acknowledged the differences between cultures in our classroom. It helps parents realize that it’s a topic they must address with their children so they are aware of their surroundings.
October 8, 2018
A realistic fiction book that tells the heart-warming story of two friends, Lily and Salma. They are inseparable during the school day: drawing pictures, swinging, jumping rope, and eating lunch together. Every day Lily eats her Peanut butter sandwich as she feels sorry for Salma having to eat hummus sandwiches. Salma felt the same about Lily’s peanut butter sandwiches she had to eat every day at lunch. One day the girls spoke up about each other’s sandwiches, saying hurtful things about the others choice in food. The girls allowed their differences to drive a wedge between the two. Lily and Salma finally came to realize BOTH their sandwiches were delicious and discovered what friendship was really about. A charming story that ends with a strong message about friendship and understanding others.
This would be a great mentor text for any Kindergarten through 3rd-grade educator. Teachers could create mini-lessons on ideas, voice, and organization that is used within the text for the older students. This story is an excellent conversation starter (or writing topic) regarding how we treat others, especially during a disagreement. This text is also a great conversation starter/writing topic when discussing cultural differences and intolerance. The book could be connected to Social Studies as students explore and discover other families and their differences, they also discover they have many similarities as well.
This would be a great mentor text for any Kindergarten through 3rd-grade educator. Teachers could create mini-lessons on ideas, voice, and organization that is used within the text for the older students. This story is an excellent conversation starter (or writing topic) regarding how we treat others, especially during a disagreement. This text is also a great conversation starter/writing topic when discussing cultural differences and intolerance. The book could be connected to Social Studies as students explore and discover other families and their differences, they also discover they have many similarities as well.
August 30, 2012
Salma and Lilly are best friends, but Lilly doesn't like the look of Salma's sandwich and Salma doesn't like the look of Lilly's sandwich. But in the end they are both yummy!
I almost did not buy this book because it is written by a queen, and I have to be swayed to buy books by famous people. (Not that I think it is impossible for a famous person to write a good book, but more that I worry that it got published because the writer was famous rather than on its merits.) However, the Children's Book Club did indeed sway me and I am glad they did.
In fairness, this was the queen's idea and it was either written or co-written by a professional writer. So yes, it does come across as professional.
I almost did not buy this book because it is written by a queen, and I have to be swayed to buy books by famous people. (Not that I think it is impossible for a famous person to write a good book, but more that I worry that it got published because the writer was famous rather than on its merits.) However, the Children's Book Club did indeed sway me and I am glad they did.
In fairness, this was the queen's idea and it was either written or co-written by a professional writer. So yes, it does come across as professional.
June 21, 2012
The Sandwich Swap is a sweet tale advocating tolerance and acceptance as illustrated by the sandwich preferences of best friends Salma and Lily. Salma likes hummus sandwiches and Lily likes peanut butter and jelly. Their initial dislike of each other's daily lunch choices even ignites a (humorous) lunchroom food fight at school! But after granting second chances, Lily and Salma discover the beauty of every person's individuality.
I loved the end, and I know that kids would enjoy looking at the fold-out page. A well-written and well-paced story. Highly recommended for children from pre-school to first grade.
I loved the end, and I know that kids would enjoy looking at the fold-out page. A well-written and well-paced story. Highly recommended for children from pre-school to first grade.
January 22, 2017
Perfect for kids, but adults should read it as well.
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Kupiona trochę pod wpływem YouTube, gdzie zapewne pracownicy królowej Jordanii umieszczają filmy edukacyjne i jej przemówienia, ale nie rozczarowała mnie.
Podczas gdy pilnując siostrzenicy trafiam na książki, przeznaczone teoretycznie dla dzieci, a w praktyce zmuszające mnie do zastanowienia dlaczego to w ogóle ktoś przetłumaczył i czemu uważa, że jest to dla dzieci dobre, ta książka wyróżnia się bardzo pozytywnie i w przeciwieństwie do tych wspomnianych powinna zostać przetłumaczona, zwłaszcza, że ma 32 strony...głównie z powodu ilustracji ;)
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Kupiona trochę pod wpływem YouTube, gdzie zapewne pracownicy królowej Jordanii umieszczają filmy edukacyjne i jej przemówienia, ale nie rozczarowała mnie.
Podczas gdy pilnując siostrzenicy trafiam na książki, przeznaczone teoretycznie dla dzieci, a w praktyce zmuszające mnie do zastanowienia dlaczego to w ogóle ktoś przetłumaczył i czemu uważa, że jest to dla dzieci dobre, ta książka wyróżnia się bardzo pozytywnie i w przeciwieństwie do tych wspomnianych powinna zostać przetłumaczona, zwłaszcza, że ma 32 strony...głównie z powodu ilustracji ;)
March 9, 2011
I had seen this book reviewed in many places when it first came out last year, so when I saw it on the children's new shelf, I decided to read it.
As far as celebrity/politician authored picture books go, this one is actually pretty decent. It's a fairly simplistic story, but it's a cute one and I can see it easily being used in classrooms to inspire a pint-size International Potluck. The watercolor illustrations add to the sweetness of the book and muted color palet makes it feel like a nice gentle read.
It's a cute story and a sweet reminder of friendship.
As far as celebrity/politician authored picture books go, this one is actually pretty decent. It's a fairly simplistic story, but it's a cute one and I can see it easily being used in classrooms to inspire a pint-size International Potluck. The watercolor illustrations add to the sweetness of the book and muted color palet makes it feel like a nice gentle read.
It's a cute story and a sweet reminder of friendship.
June 10, 2013
It started with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...and a humus and pita sandwich. This is a story about two best friends who have so much in common and enjoy being with each other until they allow one difference to come between them. Instead of embracing their difference or exploring the difference, they become critical and then hostile until the whole school is taking sides. This is a wonderful story about how it's okay to have differences and that we should be accepting and also willing to try new things.
November 3, 2023
Interesting fact: the author is the Queen of Jordan.
January 20, 2011
I love this book! This book reminds me of when I was younger and would bring tuna sandwiches to school and get made fun of because they smelled. I hated being teased about what I ate and even deeper than that it made me feel like the other kids wouldn't like me! But it's important to have people realize, especially children, that something (or someone) you think you might not like may end up being awesome! This book does a great job of teaching that lesson in a fun and relatable way.
May 3, 2010
Written by royalty! (the princess of Jordan)
This book is about two girls who are very good friends - until they have a big fight about the type of sandwiches they eat for lunch.
Lively, colorful illustrations. Great message about accepting others and trying new things without shoving it (slight pun intended) down your throat.
This book is about two girls who are very good friends - until they have a big fight about the type of sandwiches they eat for lunch.
Lively, colorful illustrations. Great message about accepting others and trying new things without shoving it (slight pun intended) down your throat.
May 8, 2022
عجب تصویرسازی خفن و بانمکی! مطمئنم بچه ها با تیزبینیشون جزئیات زیادی پیدا میکنند.
نکاتی که به نظرم بچهها از این کتاب یاد میگیرن اینه که راجع به تفاوتهامون حرف بزنیم، سوال کنیم، و از همه مهمتر اینکه چیزهای جدید رو تجربه کنیم.
بیصبرانه منتظر وقتی هستم که پسرم این کتاب رو درک کنه و با هم بخونیم، اونقدر که کتابش ورق ورق بشه.
نکاتی که به نظرم بچهها از این کتاب یاد میگیرن اینه که راجع به تفاوتهامون حرف بزنیم، سوال کنیم، و از همه مهمتر اینکه چیزهای جدید رو تجربه کنیم.
بیصبرانه منتظر وقتی هستم که پسرم این کتاب رو درک کنه و با هم بخونیم، اونقدر که کتابش ورق ورق بشه.
April 10, 2016
Good for teaching open mindedness toward other cultures. K-5 appropriate
September 17, 2019
A twinge heavy handed but ultimately a cute as heck story about acceptance, trying new things, and friendship. Additionally a good one for conflict resolution.
October 15, 2025
i got distracted by the cutie cover while shelving at work…this was so lovely and I want a hummus wrap immediately
September 25, 2013
It all began with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a hummus and pita sandwich... two best friends that did everything together suddenly turned against one another because of a snap judgment that the other had a meal that was "gross" or "weird." Hurt feelings turned into anger, and soon the girls began a feud that had the whole school involved.
I think this is a subject that all people -- child or adult -- can relate to. I remember the days when I got to bring my family's special italian soup to school for lunch when we had leftovers after a special event or holiday. To this day, it is a meal that I hold close to my heart, and I was always excited to have it as a treat at school... but I remember getting my feelings incredibly hurt when some of my lunch mates told me it looked or smelled "weird."
The theme of tolerance and acceptance is powerful for children, and this book nails it. The illustrations are wonderful and depict the action, conflict and resolution perfectly. The Sandwich Swap is touching and relatable, and the ending is very sweet.
As the author's note at the end of the story says, "It's easy to jump to conclusions when we come across something new or foreign or strange. But if we take the time to get to know each other, stand in each other's shoes, and listen to a different point of view, we learn something wonderful -- about someone else and about ourselves." This obviously does not just apply to food and what our friends are having for lunch, but to all of our differences. Being unique is what makes us who we are, and we should celebrate and welcome those differences among our friends, schoolmates and colleagues, family members, and everyone in between. This is an important life lesson that many adults still need to embrace, and I think the way this story approaches the subject is very sweet and tasteful. I would use this in younger elementary classrooms (K-2+) toward the beginning of the year to talk about acceptance and being kind to one another no matter our differences.
4.5 stars!
I think this is a subject that all people -- child or adult -- can relate to. I remember the days when I got to bring my family's special italian soup to school for lunch when we had leftovers after a special event or holiday. To this day, it is a meal that I hold close to my heart, and I was always excited to have it as a treat at school... but I remember getting my feelings incredibly hurt when some of my lunch mates told me it looked or smelled "weird."
The theme of tolerance and acceptance is powerful for children, and this book nails it. The illustrations are wonderful and depict the action, conflict and resolution perfectly. The Sandwich Swap is touching and relatable, and the ending is very sweet.
As the author's note at the end of the story says, "It's easy to jump to conclusions when we come across something new or foreign or strange. But if we take the time to get to know each other, stand in each other's shoes, and listen to a different point of view, we learn something wonderful -- about someone else and about ourselves." This obviously does not just apply to food and what our friends are having for lunch, but to all of our differences. Being unique is what makes us who we are, and we should celebrate and welcome those differences among our friends, schoolmates and colleagues, family members, and everyone in between. This is an important life lesson that many adults still need to embrace, and I think the way this story approaches the subject is very sweet and tasteful. I would use this in younger elementary classrooms (K-2+) toward the beginning of the year to talk about acceptance and being kind to one another no matter our differences.
4.5 stars!
January 18, 2015
Like the best children's books, The Sandwich Swap tells a simple story that speaks volumes. Salma and Lily are best friends who do everything together, but privately each one thinks the other's lunchtime meal of choice (hummus for Salma, pb&j for Lily) looks pretty gross.
When the secret finally slips, their argument turns into a school-wide food fight, with some pretty nasty name-calling and plenty of hurt feelings among their peers. Ashamed at the mess they've created, the two girls decide to give it a shot and try a bite of each other's sandwiches. They're pleasantly surprised, and the experiment inspires them to host a cross-cultural potluck for their entire school.
Don't be dissuaded by the celebrity author: Queen Rania and Kelly DiPucchio's story speaks meaningfully about cultural relativity, curiosity, and friendship, with Tricia Tusa's watercolours adding a playful sensibility. The choice of food as a subject was smart. Because eating is such a sensorially-rich experience, people can have strong, culturally-ingrained feelings about food, prompting visceral reactions in response to certain colours, textures, smells, and tastes. But while food is often seen as a marker of difference, it can also serve as a means of cultural exploration and exchange, like the potluck at the end. I'm not the most adventurous eater by any means, but I think both children and adults alike could benefit from shaking some of our deeply-held beliefs about food.
Salma and Lily start off suspicious of each other's differences, but end up with a constructive way to celebrate them. I'm not sure I can think of a better lesson we should be teaching our kids.
When the secret finally slips, their argument turns into a school-wide food fight, with some pretty nasty name-calling and plenty of hurt feelings among their peers. Ashamed at the mess they've created, the two girls decide to give it a shot and try a bite of each other's sandwiches. They're pleasantly surprised, and the experiment inspires them to host a cross-cultural potluck for their entire school.
Don't be dissuaded by the celebrity author: Queen Rania and Kelly DiPucchio's story speaks meaningfully about cultural relativity, curiosity, and friendship, with Tricia Tusa's watercolours adding a playful sensibility. The choice of food as a subject was smart. Because eating is such a sensorially-rich experience, people can have strong, culturally-ingrained feelings about food, prompting visceral reactions in response to certain colours, textures, smells, and tastes. But while food is often seen as a marker of difference, it can also serve as a means of cultural exploration and exchange, like the potluck at the end. I'm not the most adventurous eater by any means, but I think both children and adults alike could benefit from shaking some of our deeply-held beliefs about food.
Salma and Lily start off suspicious of each other's differences, but end up with a constructive way to celebrate them. I'm not sure I can think of a better lesson we should be teaching our kids.
February 16, 2011
The professor of one of my reading education courses shared "The Sandwich Swap" with us about a year ago. Part of the course was to tutor a student for 30 hours and many of the tutees were the children of international students from the university. This book really helped us to think about things from the perspective of the international children.
I re-read the book today to examine the friendship between the two girls and I am glad I did. You notice more about a book when you do the reading yourself.
Salma and Lily are best friends, they like all the same things. They even lunch together. But Salma eats a hummus sandwich for a lunch, and Lily eats a peanut butter sandwich. One day, Lily blurts out that she thinks Salma’s sandwich is gross and it isn’t long before the whole school is fighting and angry, mean-spirited words are exchanged. After a trip to the principal’s office, the girls feel awful. Can they accept each other’s differences? Can they mend their friendship?
This book shares a valuable message. Being different is okay. Furthermore, the events at the end of the book go beyond acceptance and encourage readers to embrace other cultures and try things that they perceive as weird or strange. Another thing to note is this book’s handling of a fight between best friends. Children have certainly experienced this but they may have not handled it in as well as Salma and Lily. These characters set a good example of how fighting friends can mend their friendship after bitter words. Tusa’s illustrations are just as beautiful and inspiring as the messages presented in this book.
I re-read the book today to examine the friendship between the two girls and I am glad I did. You notice more about a book when you do the reading yourself.
Salma and Lily are best friends, they like all the same things. They even lunch together. But Salma eats a hummus sandwich for a lunch, and Lily eats a peanut butter sandwich. One day, Lily blurts out that she thinks Salma’s sandwich is gross and it isn’t long before the whole school is fighting and angry, mean-spirited words are exchanged. After a trip to the principal’s office, the girls feel awful. Can they accept each other’s differences? Can they mend their friendship?
This book shares a valuable message. Being different is okay. Furthermore, the events at the end of the book go beyond acceptance and encourage readers to embrace other cultures and try things that they perceive as weird or strange. Another thing to note is this book’s handling of a fight between best friends. Children have certainly experienced this but they may have not handled it in as well as Salma and Lily. These characters set a good example of how fighting friends can mend their friendship after bitter words. Tusa’s illustrations are just as beautiful and inspiring as the messages presented in this book.
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