AMMAN (JT) - In line with her efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding and bridge the divide between East and West, Her Majesty Queen Rania on Friday visited the Highlands Elementary School in Chicago, where she read her recently written children's book, "The Sandwich Swap".
Based on a childhood memory, which Her Majesty describes as one of the "turning points" in her life, the book tells the story of two girls, Lily and Salma, who start appreciating the cultural differences between them after swapping peanut butter and hummus sandwiches.
Engaging first, second and third grade students in a conversation about what they learnt from the story, Queen Rania talked about the importance of compassion, humility and accepting others for who they are.
Her Majesty, who gave students signed copies of the book, also answered their questions about her life as a Queen and children in Jordan.
Queen Rania also checked the school bulletin board, where students had prepared several pieces of written work about Jordan.
Concluding her visit, Her Majesty listened to the school song performed by a number of students and was presented with three scrapbooks.
All of the proceeds from The Sandwich Swap will go to Madrasati Jordan, an education initiative launched by Queen Rania to renovate 500 public schools in urgent need of repair.
The Sandwich Swap is a children's picture book from the Disney Book Group, written by Queen Rania and co-authored with Kelly DiPucchio. Illustrations are by Tricia Tusa.
© Jordan Times 2010
