The City of Jasmine

A young Syrian American girl remembers the beauty and joy of her home in a gorgeous picture book that is perfect for fans of Watercress.

I come from the City of Jasmine,

where delicate blossoms spill from homes, balconies.

Sweet scents dance in the wind, filling air,

calming hearts.

Inspired by her own childhood in Damascus, Syria, Nadine Presley's lyrical picture book offers a sincere view of the city and is brought to life with breathtaking illustrations by Heather Brockman Lee, which brim with wonder and love.

Nadine Presley is a Syrian Canadian author who grew up in Damascus. She's held the beauty of her hometown in her heart ever since she left over a decade ago, and now she gets to share it with the world. Nadine currently lives in Canada, her home away from home, with her husband and three boys. She works as a literacy educator and a speaker for children, youth, and adults, with a passion for promoting pride in Arab Muslim heritage. Her other passions include cooking delicious Syrian food and being squeezed very tight by her boys. The City of Jasmine is her picture book debut, and you can visit her at nadinepresley.com.

Heather Brockman Lee has been drawing pictures since she was very small and has all sorts of unusual friends (including umbrellas) that help her feel safe enough to be brave. As an author and illustrator of books for children, the beautiful books she has illustrated include When You Love a Book, A Poem Grows Inside You, The City of Jasmine, and more. Heather lives in the shadow of the Colorado foothills with her family and two silly dogs. Poppy is her debut picture book as an author-illustrator. You can visit her at heatherbrockmanlee.com.