New Release Story Time: Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden
Schedule
Sun Sep 21 2025 at 10:30 am to 11:30 am
UTC-05:00Location
Three Avenues Bookshop | Chicago, IL
About this Event
Join us for a Sunday morning story time at Three Avenues Bookshop, as we celebrate the release of a new children's book: Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden written by Jenan Matari and illustrated by Aya Ghanameh.
Our owner Jordan will lead the story time, which will include bubbles, a welcome song, an interactive reading of , and a hands-on activity that complements the story. RSVP to join us as we talk about about gardens, seeds, food, and family.
When: Sunday, September 21 at 10:30 am
Where: Three Avenues Bookshop - 3009 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
About the Book —
"This beautifully illustrated picture book is a love letter to gardens, food, family, and Palestine. An Arabic glossary is included, and the story ends with a note from the author and photographed memories that share the life, light, and legacy of her family, especially her Jiddo." - Jordan, Three Avenues Bookshop
Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden releases on Tuesday, September 16. .
Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden is the story of a young Palestinian girl and her Jiddo—her Grandpa!
Jiddo’s garden is a wonder. In it grows so many amazing things—to see, smell, and taste. But helping him to tend the garden teaches this young girl about even more than fig trees. It gives her a chance to discover just who she is.
Many years ago, like so many Palestinians, her family was forced to leave their homeland. But Jiddo shows her how, until they can return, tending a garden can connect them to home—and to each other!
This heartwarming debut picture book by Jenan Matari explores themes of displacement, belonging, and an enduring connection to the land. With stunning illustrations by Aya Ghanameh, it’s a poignant celebration of love, identity and hope.
About the Author
Jenan A. Matari is an award-winning Palestinian American storyteller. Her work centers on narratives of resistance, resilience and culture, weaving the struggles of Indigenous peoples globally into her advocacy for Palestinian liberation. Her popular social media presence has earned her a large global following: You can find Jenan on Instagram @jenanmatari, TikTok @jenan.matari, or visit her website at www.jenanmatari.com. She lives in exile with her family on the ancestral lands of the Lenape people. This is her first book.
About the Illustrator
Aya Ghanameh is a Palestinian illustrator, writer, and designer from Amman, Jordan based in New York City. She received her BFA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design. Her debut picture book, These Olive Trees (Penguin Random House), was inspired by the experiences of her family who cultivated her love of the land throughout her upbringing in exile. She is also illustrator of Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah (HarperCollins). You can visit Aya online at ayaghanameh.com or follow her on Instagram @ayaillustrates.
Agenda
🕑: 10:30 AM
Story Time
Info: Story time will include bubbles, a welcome song, an interactive reading of Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden, and a hands-on activity that complements the story.
Where is it happening?
Three Avenues Bookshop, 3009 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 24.24
