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.

Commended for Parents Choice Awards (Spring) (2008-Up) (Picture Book) 2010
Short-listed for California Young Reader Medal (Primary) 2013
Short-listed for Charlotte Award (Intermediate/Grades 3-5) 2012
Short-listed for Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award 2012

“In her author's note, Jordanian royal Al Abdullah explains that an incident from her childhood inspired this story about best friends who do everything together at school, including eat lunch. Lily's choice of sandwich is peanut butter and jelly while Salma's is hummus on pita, and each girl thinks the other's fare is "weird" or "gross." When Lily finally vocalizes her opinion, the two exchange heated words, leading schoolmates to take sides and toss out nastier insults ("You look funny! You dress dumb!"), eventually escalating into a messy, cafeteria-wide food fight. Message trumps realism: the speed with which the girls make peace-after sampling one another's sandwiches-is as unlikely as the food fight itself. A foldout spread amplifies the readily apparent themes of acceptance and sharing, as the girls and their classmates enjoy a buffet of international foods. Featuring pastel hues, Tusa's (Fred Stays with Me!) wispy mixed-media artwork assuredly depicts the bond between the protagonists and adds dollops of humor-such as the food that gets wedged into the stern lunch lady's bouffant-to this well-intentioned if predictable story.-- PW”

"The Queen of Jordan is the co-author of this lively picture book based on her nursery-school experiences that taught her to be open to what seems foreign or strange."--Booklist
"This engaging title reminds children that having the courage to try new things can result in positive experiences."--School Library Journal

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan is a mother, a wife, a boss, an advocate, and a humanitarian. She is dedicated to defending the welfare of children around the world: she is UNICEF's Eminent Advocate for Children. Known also as a champion of cross-cultural tolerance and a campaigner for global education, Her Majesty collaborates with international organizations and grassroots projects in these areas. Her Majesty is married to King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, they have 4 children. Kelly DiPucchio has written several children's picture books including the New York Times bestseller Grace for President, Bed Hogs, Liberty's Journey, and Mrs. McBloom, Clean Up Your Classroom! A graduate of Michigan State University, Kelly lives in southern Michigan with her husband and three children.

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.

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