PLANTING FRIENDSHIP

Three girls from different religious backgrounds become friends in Metler, Rahman, and Stoller’s picture book.

Molly, Savera, and Hannah are nervous before their first day of school, so they receive special necklaces: Christian Molly’s mom gives her a cross “for comfort and peace”; Muslim Savera wears a necklace with her grandma’s “prayer to protect” her; and Jewish Hannah’s dad gives her a Star of David to “inspire [her] and offer shalom.” In the classroom, the girls happily notice one another’s necklaces. During a class planting project, the three team up to help one another when their plants don’t grow as expected. Over winter, the trio’s friendship grows; illustrations show the girls partaking in various holiday traditions, such as playing dreidel at Hannah’s during Hanukkah. In the spring, they plant saplings in the park close to one another: “Just like us!” The three authors, who have the same religious backgrounds as the characters, offer a charming tale that underscores how sharing traditions and learning from one another ultimately helps people grow and strengthens their connections. The jaunty language (“necklaces bounced, bobbed, and bumped”) is sure to appeal to young readers. Talbot’s cheerful, cartoonish illustrations emphasize details of the characters’ faiths, such as Shabbat candlesticks at Hannah’s, a prayer rug at Savera’s, and a cross on Molly’s wall.

An inclusive, heartening tale of faith, friendship, and teamwork.