Jessica's Two Dads

Jessica's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East is a heartwarming and culturally rich adventure that takes young readers on a journey across Egypt, Kuwait, and Iraq-all through the curious and compassionate eyes of a little girl named Jessica. When one of her dads is invited on a business trip to the Middle East, Jessica is thrilled to be joining both her dads on an unforgettable family adventure. With a map on the kitchen table and dreams of pyramids in her mind, she prepares for a journey that will stretch far beyond geography-into the hearts, cultures, and traditions of lands she's only read about in books. From the moment their plane touches down in Cairo, Jessica is wide-eyed with wonder. She stands in awe before the towering pyramids of Giza, rides a camel under the Egyptian sun, and takes in the bustling sounds and colorful smells of the city. As she watches women in hijabs and abayas, her natural curiosity leads to heartfelt conversations with her dads about culture, faith, and respect for others' ways of life. In Kuwait, Jessica experiences the calm beauty of the Grand Mosque and learns to wear a headscarf in reverence, discovering the beauty of religious rituals and the common values shared across cultures. Her sense of appreciation deepens as her dads explain how removing your hat in church or donning a headscarf in a mosque both come from a place of humility and honor. Their final destination is Iraq-a place Jessica has heard much about but never imagined she'd see. From the ancient ruins of Babylon to the vibrant markets of Baghdad, she finds herself captivated by a land filled with both rich history and everyday life. Observing her dads adapting respectfully to local customs, Jessica witnesses firsthand how love, respect, and open-mindedness can bridge differences and create connection. Throughout the trip, Jessica gains more than souvenirs-though she does return home with a tiny pyramid, a Kuwaiti scarf, and a bracelet from Iraq. She returns with stories, memories, and a profound new perspective on the world around her. With a growing sense of maturity, she shares her adventures with classmates, helping them understand that while people may dress, speak, or worship differently, what truly matters is the shared humanity that connects us all. This beautifully illustrated story is not only an adventure-it's a celebration of family, curiosity, and cultural diversity. Jessica's Two Dads: Travels to the Middle East encourages young readers to embrace global awareness and cultural appreciation from a place of love and openness. It is a timely and powerful book for children ages 5–10, especially those in diverse families or classrooms exploring global cultures and family structures. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or young explorer yourself, this gentle and informative tale will spark meaningful conversations about tolerance, identity, and what it means to be a global citizen. With thoughtful storytelling and universal lessons of kindness and respect, this book reminds us all that the world is wide, wonderful, and waiting to be explored-together.