Illustrated with stunning cut paper art, these seven poetic vignettes capture true stories of courage, hope, and resilience from around the world. In Imagine A Garden, award-winning children's author Rina Singh shares seven real-life stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities amidst war, poverty, and violence. With vivid, textured images from celebrated Iranian illustrator Hoda Hadadi, this powerful picture book is: A celebration of everyday heroes and how they make their communities a better place A teaching tool for facilitating difficult but hopeful conversations about conflict in our world, and the people who are making a difference in their own way For kids ages 6 to 10, Imagine A Garden reimagines our complex world through the lens of love and compassion.

From the author of Lailah's Lunchbox and Unsettled comes a powerful picture book biography about Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, which provided education to thousands of girls across Pakistan at a time when girls weren't encouraged to go to school. "Powerful prose underscores Milloo's determination and the importance of gender equity in education. The detailed art invites readers to linger over each page, poring over collaged outfits and patterns, all of which evoke a strong sense of place." -Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Maryam was a trailblazer for women's education and the author is her granddaughter, creating a personal, inspiring tale. Perfect for fans of Malala's Magic Pencil and She Persisted! Milloo lives in a time when school is considered unnecessary for girls. But to Milloo, education is essential. When Milloo reads, her thoughts dance. Milloo courageously dreams of becoming a teacher, but in fifth grade her parents tell her she has had enough school. Milloo is heartbroken but finds a way to achieve her educational goals, graduating high school and college with honors. When she's married, Milloo's husband tells her to stay home, but she does not let that stop her. She decides to open a school in her house and later opens more schools around Karachi, Pakistan, fulfilling her dreams.

'A smile costs nothing, but gives so much'. With one short poem, French writer and humanitarian Raoul Follereau spoke to the world about the value of this fundamentally human expression. Since 1920 'A Smile' has been translated into many languages around the world. In this first presentation in a children's book, the poignant words accompany an intergenerational story in pictures about two children, and the many lives affected by their infectious smiles. A dejected street musician. A lonely businessman. An exhausted teacher. All are uplifted by the generosity, compassion and friendship inspired by a simple smile. Created in paper collage by internationally award-winning illustrator Hoda Hadadi, the illustrations burst with joyful emotions that will impact the hearts of every reader. Although Raoul Follereau passed away in 1977, his belief in the ability of children to change the world shines through in this book. A closing note shares details about Follereau's work: his thirty years travelling the world with his equally committed wife, to give aid to and raise awareness for people with leprosy, and his creation of World Leprosy Day, which is still marked on the last Sunday in January every year. The Raoul Follereau Foundation in Paris, and 14 associations around the world, continue his humanitarian work.

A fascinating collection of 25 biographies of trailblazing women from the Middle East: some will be a complete surprise to the reader, others more familiar. The illustrations of each woman in a variety of dazzling styles are a feast for the eye. A simple map and glossary assist the reader with a book that can be dipped into or read through.

"Poetic language, attractive illustrations and a positive message about Islam, without any didacticism: a wonderful combination," declares Kirkus Reviews in a starred review.

Lalla lives in the Muslim country of Mauritania, and more than anything, she wants to wear a malafa, the colorful cloth Mauritanian women, like her mama and big sister, wear to cover their heads and clothes in public. But it is not until Lalla realizes that a malafa is not just worn to show a woman's beauty and mystery or to honor tradition--a malafa for faith--that Lalla's mother agrees to slip a long cloth as blue as the ink in the Koran over Lalla's head, under her arm, and round and round her body. Then together, they pray.

An author's note and glossary are included in the back of the book.