“Salma and Lily” Hits Bookshelves Across the Arab World, Queen Rania Reads Excerpts to Children in Amman

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department- Amman) – Queen Rania of Jordan launched “Lily and Salma” this week, the Arabic edition of Her Majesty’s children’s picture book “the Sandwich Swap”.

During a visit to the Zaha Cultural Center in Amman today, Her Majesty read excerpts of the New York Times best-seller to the children who gathered in the center’s library.

Following the book reading Her Majesty distributed copies of Salma & Lily to the children, who were ecstatic to see and hear Her Majesty reading the story to them.

Her Majesty asked the children what they learned from the book, and they were all enthusiastic to answer. One child said he learnt not to “judge” people by their appearance; something that Her Majesty stressed, and encouraged the children to do.

This week “Salma & Lily” made its debut at bookstores across the Middle East, giving Arab Children a chance to read the book in both Arabic and English.

All of Her Majesty’s proceeds from “Salma and Lily” will go to Madrasati Jordan, which aims to rehabilitate and re-structure the 500 Jordanian public schools that were deemed to be the most in need.

Based on Her Majesty’s own childhood experiences, the story revolves around two school mates and best friends, Lilly and Salma. They share and do everything together – except when it comes to lunch.
The story aims to instill in children the values of respect, tolerance, acceptance of the other, and open-mindedness; through a simple and symbolic story.

Following the book reading, Her Majesty toured the Zaha Cultural Center and its newest extension.

The Sandwich Swap was launched in April, 2010 and topped the New York Times Best-seller list for two consecutive weeks.