A Muslim Family’s Chair for the Pope

Author Stefan Salinas writes to tell me of his new book for children, which he both wrote and illustrated.  It is a Catholic-Muslim children’s book that is slowly getting attention.

To create it, I not only combed the internet for stories and images pertaining to this true event from Bosnia, but I was able to interview the senior carpenter!

The description says:

In the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Muslims, Orthodox Christians and Catholics have been living side by side for many years, but they have not always gotten along. Twenty years have passed since they were at war with each other. How can neighbors of different faiths live together in peace?

Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, paid a visit to Bosnia on June 6, 2015. This is the true story of a Muslim family of carpenters who designed and made a chair in honor of this occasion.

This book is for children, parents, grandparents, for everyone!

“Written from the perspective of Salim Hajderovac, the cheerful and humble carpenter, this book is a wonderful story about interreligious teamwork… Within the context of a true story, children will learn a few basic truths about Catholicism and Islam.”
– Regina Lordan, Catholic News Service

“Salinas’ color pencil, ink, and acrylic illustrations are expressive and communicate much of the text well… A heartfelt story that simply conveys the importance of positive interfaith relations.”
– Gloria Koster, School Library Journal

“This book is important in the difficult times that have befallen us all.”
– Malden Obrenovic, Al Jazeera Balkans

“…to help readers – children and the adults who may read it to them – appreciate people of other cultures and faiths instead of fear them.”
– Christina Gray, Catholic San Francisco

You can order it here.