A Feast for Joseph
Written by Terry Farish
and OD Bonny
Illustrated by Ken Daley
Published by Groundwood Books
Joseph misses sharing meals with lots of people like he did back in the refugee camp, so when the neighbors finally come over, it’s a feast! A companion book to Joseph’s Big Ride, described in Kirkus as “a joyful, upbeat tale.”
When Joseph and Mama lived in a refugee camp in East Africa, everyone cooked and ate together. And Joseph could always hear someone playing the awal. It’s much too quiet and lonely in his new home. Though Whoosh, the girl who lives upstairs, is friendly, Joseph misses having more people around, especially his grandmother, who still lives across the ocean. So he invites his relatives in the city to come for dinner, then he invites his teacher, then Whoosh and her mami — but everyone is too busy.
Ever hopeful, Joseph picks the last greens from the garden. At least he and Mama will be ready to cook if someone comes. The next night Whoosh and her mami appear at the door with a big cake, and Whoosh and Joseph cook up a feast.
Primary ISBN: 9781773064383
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 05 and older
Community Represented: Sudanese/Sudanese American
Themes: Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Separation: Different Immigration Status, IYNB Recommends: ASCA School Counselors 2026, Multilingual: Acholi Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Refugee: War/Conflict, Welcoming by Individual, Welcoming Library: Core Picture Books (Current), Welcoming Library: Pine Collection
Setting: Portland, Maine
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Pronunciation Guide
Meet the Creators: OD Bonny & Terry Farish
Source: House of Anansi