Salma The Syrian Chef

This is a colourful picture book about Salma, who has started a new life in Canada with her family while her father has stayed in Syria. Salma’s optimism and hope are highlighted in this story, but it also describes the realistic conflicts her mother is experiencing, missing her husband, home, culture, and way of life in Syria while navigating a new language and culture and finding a job. Salma’s community at the Welcome Centre helps her to make a traditional Syrian dish for her mother to cheer her up, emphasizing the power of community and Salma’s determination and resilience. This story lends itself well as a read-aloud. It may promote cultural awareness in a Grade K–5 classroom, allowing for reflections about the challenges a newly immigrated family might face.