Jenan Matari Storytime + Seed Planting

Bel Canto Books, ginataan gang + SAWA SoCal are delighted to present Storytime + Seed Planting with Palestinian storyteller Jenan Matari, author of the debut children's book, EVERYTHING GROWS IN JIDDO’S GARDEN.

Registration is required - please choose the best option(s) for your group. Please reserve a planting activity ticket for each person in your group, so that we have an accurate count for planting supplies. Funds raised will be donated to SAWA SoCal.

Please stay home if you feel sick.

This event will be held indoors at KUBO LB (3976 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach CA).

EVENT SCHEDULE

10:45am - Event check-in begins

11:00am - Welcome & event start

11:15-11:30am - Storytime

11:30am-12:00pm - Planting activity

12:00pm-12:30pm - Book signing + store shopping

12:30pm - Event ends

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenan Matari is a 2x award-winning, Palestinian storyteller focused on amplifying Indigenous Palestinian storytelling. Through her work, she highlights the struggles of Indigenous peoples globally, weaving narratives of resistance, resilience, and culture into her advocacy for Palestinian liberation and the right-of-return.

Jenan’s storytelling centers on preserving cultural heritage and empowering Indigenous voices to lead the fight for their rights and autonomy. Through her popular social media presence, she shares stories about Palestinian heritage and experiences, earning her a large global following.

You can find Jenan on Instagram @jenanmatari and TikTok @jenan.matari.

ABOUT BEL CANTO BOOKS

Founded by Jhoanna Belfer, a Filipina-American poet and former hospitality executive, Bel Canto Books offers a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction and children's books, organized around a theme of the month, in particular celebrating books by women and people of color. Learn more at belcantobooks.net.

ABOUT ginataan gang

ginataan gang is a collective of three pinays growing, gardening, and gathering community in long beach. since 2023, they’ve partnered with various organizations to host solidarity events, gardening workshops, a cookbook club, and other spaces for care and connection. rooted in the belief that growing food connects us to ancestors, land, and each other, they honor cultural foodways and uplift indigenous struggles for land and liberation.
ginataan gang is liza gesuden, dianne que, and thea fojas de borja-poompan

IG: @ginataangang

ABOUT SAWA SOCAL

SAWA SoCal is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to teaching, celebrating, and preserving Palestinian and Arab culture in Southern California. Through education, arts, storytelling, and community engagement, SAWA empowers youth, families, and adults to embrace their heritage, build resilience, and strengthen cultural pride. Meaning “together” in Arabic, SAWA creates spaces that honor memory, nurture identity, and connect generations in solidarity with Palestine.

IG: @‌sawasocal

ABOUT KUBO LB

KUBO LB is a creative community space for Filipinx, BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Women led small businesses. KUBO LB is a space to support and educate small businesses through retail, business workshops and more. Learn more at kubolb.com.

EVERYTHING GROWS IN JIDDO'S GARDEN by Jenan A. Matari, illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

Host or Publisher Bel Canto Books - Long Beach, CA